Various UK regions currently face a Met Office red or amber weather warning this week (23–25 June 2026), so we’ve rounded up some suitable Amazon Prime Day portable fan deals to help you keep your horse cool in the stable along with some other great Prime Day deals for equestrians.

Portable camping fans are rechargeable (usually via USB) and can be mounted on a variety of surfaces. Some attach via a clip, which makes them perfect for stall bars or lorry partitions, although we recommend not transporting horses in hot weather as Defra’s guidance states horses should only be transported in temperatures over 30°C if they are in a temperature-controlled vehicle.

Not only are fans useful for cooling, but they are also effective in preventing midges as they struggle to fly in a strong breeze.

Best Prime day portable fan deals

Prime day cooling fan deals

More portable fans on Amazon

Best electric fan deals

These floor fans are wall-mountable or can be used outside the stable. Ensure you use a suitable power supply and that all leads and cables are out of the horse’s reach and do not pose a trip hazard.

With much of the UK experiencing intense heat right now, there’s no better time to invest in a fan to help keep your horse comfortable in his stable or when travelling.

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These days, there is a type of bedding to suit every horse. Whether your horse is particularly wet, sensitive to dust or needs a deep bed, there’s an option available that is designed to maximise their comfortable in their stable.

When choosing the best horse bedding to use, not only do you need to think about what will keep your stabled horse happy and healthy, but you also need to consider your needs as an owner. Are you prioritising budget, mucking-out speed, absorbency, low dust levels or sustainability? If you need a bedding that’s free of prohibited substances, look out for the BETA NOPS accredited bedding logo.

If you’re thinking about changing your horse’s bedding material, here are the pros and cons of each type of bedding to help you decide.

Types of horse bedding

• Straw
• Chopped straw
• Straw pellets
• Wood shavings
• Wood pellets
• Shredded wood fibre
• Hemp
• Paper/cardboard
• Rubber matting

1. Straw

This is the most traditional horse bedding available and all equestrians are likely to have mucked out a straw bed in their time.

Advantages:

• Cheap
• Breaks down well
• Easy to get hold of
• Can create a thick, comfortable bed

Disadvantages:

• Bulky and messy to store
• Builds large muck heap
• Horses can eat straw
• Can vary in quality
• Not very absorbent

Types of straw

There are also different types of straw to consider. Wheat straw is readily available and can be used to make a warm, comfortable bed, but it tends to be dustier than other types, so not suitable for horses with respiratory problems.

Barley straw is often cheapest, but can be uncomfortable and may cause skin irritations, so is not always suitable for horses. Oat straw is the most palatable, which is a disadvantage if your horse is prone to eating his bed. It is more absorbent, however, although this makes it heavier to muck out.

2. Chopped straw

Treated straw products sometimes contain other bedding materials, and essential oils can be added to improve odour.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted
• Treated to be non-palatable
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store
• Not as bulky as straw, so produces a smaller muck heap
• More consistent quality than conventional straw

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than straw, although cost can be reduced with bulk deliveries
• Sold through selected stockists so you may not have a choice of brands locally

3. Straw pellets

To create straw pellets, fresh straw is dried to high temperature, dust-extracted and then compacted into shape.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted
• Highly absorbent
• Eco friendly
• Bags are easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• You may need to add water when the bedding is put down, which adds time
• Not as absorbent as wood pellets

4. Wood shavings

Purpose-produced shavings are a popular type of bedding, but the quality can vary enormously — particularly in relation to dust content. It is important that you only buy shavings that have been specifically produced as animal bedding.

Advantages:

• Non-palatable
• Widely available
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Can be difficult to dispose of – shavings take much longer to rot down
• Needs constant removal of droppings and care has to be taken to ensure the bed does not become wet, causing a build up of ammonia
• Cheaper brands can contain high dust levels
• Price can fluctuate

5. Wood pellets

Wood pellet bedding is made from heat-treated and compacted sawdust. You need to add water, which makes them fluff up and increases their absorbency.

Advantages:

• Usually eco-friendly
• High absorbency
• Dust-extracted
• Composts quicker than shavings or straw
• Quick to muck out
• Low waste
• Supplied in bags rather than bales, so may be easier to manoeuvre and transport
• Processing can help to kill moulds, spores and bacteria

Disadvantages:

• Can be slippery while still in pellet form
• Expensive to build initial bed
• Heavy to muck out once absorbed urine

6. Shredded wood fibre

This is made from recycled wood and results in a slightly smaller and denser product that traditional shavings.

Advantages:

• Eco-friendly
• Low dust levels
• Less likely to be displaced
• Consistent quality
• Low waste
• Doesn’t cling to manes and tails
• Can be cheaper than premium wood shavings

Disadvantages:

• Not absorbent, but this means it is free-draining and less bedding is used overall (so an advantage to some)

7. Hemp

Whereas straw bedding uses the whole stalk of the plant, hemp bedding is made from the softer centre, which is a by-product of textile and rope manufacturing.

Advantages:

• Highly absorbent
• Dust-extracted
• Non-palatable
• Rapidly breaks down to make good compost
• Wrapped bales are clean and easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Bales are relatively expensive and the initial cost of bedding down are off-putting
• Manufacturers claim that long-term use make it competitively economical
• Bedding is heavy when it has absorbed urine

8. Paper/Cardboard

This tends to be a mixture of newspaper, magazine and other unwanted printed matter. It is often considered to be a cheaper option, but a large number of bales may be needed to create a thick bed. It is also worth considering cardboard, which has similar advantages to paper but is heavier and so less likely to blow around the yard.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted and non-palatable — a good choice for horses with allergies
• Produces a warm bed
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Can be costly
• To start a bed it can take five bales, and then one or two bales a week for a horse that is stabled at night
• Easily blown around, producing an untidy-looking yard
• Disposal can be a problem
• Care has to be taken to ensure bed does not become soggy

9. Rubber matting

While rubber matting is not strictly a bedding, it’s become a common addition to many stables. The initial cost of matting is expensive, but it should be viewed as a long-term investment as it allows owners to use less bedding material overall. This saves on ongoing costs, time on mucking out and reduces the size of the muck heap.

Rubber matting provides better grip and additional support for your horse, and so also helps to minimise the risk of injury, but you should still add a substantial layer of bedding on top of any mats to absorb urine.

To keep mats hygienic, you need to lift them regularly and thoroughly clean underneath to prevent a build up of ammonia and dirty bedding. Ideally, you should be deep cleaning your stable monthly.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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This year one of questions I’ve seen horse owners ask again and again on Facebook is for recommendations of cameras that work for yards and stables where there is no access to WiFi, so I’ve pulled together the best Black Friday deals on these cameras to help you find the right deal.

If you’ve been on the fence about purchasing one of these cameras, Black Friday is a great opportunity as there’s always a wide range of discounts. Reolink is a trusted brand already used by many equestrians they are running up to 55% off for their Black Friday event, which you can find on Amazon – but I’ve rounded up my favourite Reolink deals below to help you choose.

Georgia previously kept her horse at a field with no WiFi or electric, but thanks to a the Reolink Go PT Ultra camera and solar panel (currently 30% off), she could keep an eye on her horses from anywhere. It’s now on its second year of being out in the field in all weathers.

She says: “The features I really like are the colour night even in total darkness and two-way audio. I have found the solar panel has provided sufficient power all-year round. It’s an upgrade of the Reolink Go PT Plus and for the extra £14 you get an excellent panning angle (355°), more tilt (140°) and an even better image (4K). It also auto-tracks and can send you alerts to your phone.

“I didn’t know I needed it, and now I can’t imagine being without it.”

We’ve reviewed a couple of Reolink cameras at H&H, and we’ve awarded them H&H Approved status. That said, plenty of other camera brands enable surveillance without mains electric and Wi-Fi – and these are some of the best stable cameras I see recommended regularly on social media. They all have slightly different features, but the key thing is they can all be set up to work in remote fields and stables – and they’re all discounted right now for Black Friday.

Reolink Black Friday field/stable camera deals

Other Black Friday field/stable camera deals

What we love about field and stable cameras

These solar-powered cameras that run off a SIM card are becoming a game-changer for horse owners wanting to keep a closer eye on their horses. They allow you to check up on your horse while they’re eating, sleeping or – if they are anything like mine – you can use the camera to find out which one escaped first.

Whether your primary use is to help improve your horse’s wellbeing in the stable, keep an eye on a horse you’re worried about, or check how well your fencing is holding up, these cameras can give you peace of mind and save you many unnecessary extra trips to the yard.

You can choose between battery and solar-power options – solar powered setups are more expensive initially, but this pays off in the long-run as it’s rare that you’ll need to take the camera home for extra charge.

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Horses are not designed to live in stables – they have evolved to be free-range herd animals who eat at will – so can suffer ill-effects from being confined to a small space for long periods. While it is inevitable that many horses spend more time indoors over winter, we can greatly improve their lives and keep them happy and healthy with a little thought and a willingness to challenge the preconceived ideas of how they should be kept.

As owners, it is our job to keep asking how we can keep our stabled horses happy and healthy. Considerable research has been devoted to finding ways to mitigate the social, nutritional and health issues caused by stabling – here are some of the findings that we can put into practice, with advice from top equine vet Kieran O’Brien MRCVS.

How to keep stabled horses happy

Stable design

The first social issue is that many ideas about stabling originate from Victorian times. This has lead to stables that prevent continuous visual and tactile contact, where the only opportunity for a horse to see his companions is when they are looking over their respective doors at the same time.

Where horses are kept alone, studies have found a reduction in time spent lying down, more frequent displays of stress behaviours and development of stereotypies, such as weaving or box-walking.

How to improve stable design for wellbeing

“Fitting bars or grills between stables or making a “talk hole” in the partition wall will enable essential social contact, provided that neighbouring horses get on,” suggests Kieran. “A stable mirror made of safety glass can also provide companionship, although social interaction with real horses is preferable.”

A stabled horse also needs space to move, stretch and roll.

“An area of 12x12ft is considered a minimum,” says Kieran, “although horses measuring larger than 16hh will require more room.”

Providing enrichment

Enrichment has been proven to have a positive impact on stabled horses. This includes anything that you might consider a “boredom buster” for horses, such as stable toys, slow feeders or mirrors – they do not have to be edible. In fact, the enrichment proved particularly beneficial outside of meal times.

The results of the study showed that enrichment increased heart rate, foraging and movement, and decreased frustration behaviours, which suggests a positive emotional state.

How to keep stabled horses healthy

Air quality and stable ventilation

The quality of air in a stable is determined by the rate dust particles, fungal spores and ammonia (produced by urine) from the bedding is released into the air, balanced by the rate at which these are cleared.

Dust particles peak as you muck out and stay elevated for several hours afterwards, so where possible turn your horse out before you start. A second peak occurs when the bed is “pulled down” for the night – but you could eliminate this practice completely by scattering powdered lime on the urine “footprint” while mucking out and preparing the evening bed straightaway, thus turning over the bed only once.

Several studies have shown that most horses bedded on straw — not just those with equine asthma — have a significant number of fungal spores and evidence of inflammation in the lower airways.

These horses may show no external signs of respiratory disease, Kieran warns.

“Their performance may be subtly impaired, however, especially in disciplines with high oxygen demands, such as racing or jumping at speed.”

While the adverse effects of straw bedding can be partially mitigated by good ventilation, the optimum of four complete air changes per hour can never be achieved in a conventional 12x12ft stable with an open half-door and a small window.

It is not usually possible to objectively judge how “dusty” the air in a stable is, but this can be inferred from the type of bedding used. A persistent smell of ammonia from urine will suggest that ventilation is poor.

Ways to improve stable air quality

• Feed haylage or soaked hay
• Opt for dust-free bedding, such as dust-extracted shavings, miscanthus or chopped cardboard
• If you create banks, pull the bedding in from the edges frequently to ensure all areas are fresh

Ways to promote air flow

• Remove glass from windows
• Use a stable guard or stall chain across the doorway when practical
• Leave barn doors open at night unless necessary
• Provide additional air inlets and outlets, as far away from the stable door as possible

Ensuring good rest

Studies on human athletes have shown that a good night’s sleep is critical for optimum performance – and it would make sense that the same goes for horses. In horses, deep sleep is only possible if they lie down on their side or sits propped against a wall.

Research has shown that the time a horse spends laying down asleep is affected by the type of bedding, its depth and the size of the bedded area. The minimalist approach of a thin bed laid on rubber matting, covering a smaller floor area, may have implications for how much deep sleep a horse obtains.

“This may be a case where the traditional practice of providing a more substantial bed is best,” suggests Kieran.

Health risks of stabling

Stabling is a key risk factor for colic and exertional rhabdomyolysis, sometimes known as azoturia or tying up. Studies have shown that if time indoors is increased from zero to six hours to 19 to 24 hours, the risk of impaction colic is seven times greater.

“Confinement decreases the frequency of large intestinal contractions, reducing both fibre digestibility and the water content of droppings,” Kieran explains.

How to reduce the risks of stabling

“Exercise, or at the very least some turnout, every day, is hugely beneficial — both mentally, allowing social interaction with other horses, and physically, ensuring the normal function of the digestive and musculoskeletal systems and providing access to clean air,” says Kieran.

While exercise is generally a good thing, there is evidence that horses given a minimum of two rest days per week have a much lower incidence of gastric ulcers.

“Conventional twice-daily rations of hard feed, especially those containing cereal grains, further increase the chance of colic and also cause large shifts of acidity of the stomach – a known predisposing factor for gastric ulceration.”

When feeding horses prone to ulcers, small, frequent meals are preferable.

“Ideally use feeds high in oil and low in starch. Adding alfalfa chaff (preferably dry) increases salivation, helping to neutralise stomach acid,” Kieran advises.

Reduce reliance on hard feed by providing the highest quality forage you can find.

“Hay or haylage should be soft, green and leafy and fed ad lib, so there is always some left in the morning,” says Kieran, who also recommends providing multiple forage options.

“Provide forage in more than one place in the stable, to satisfy the horse’s strong natural motivation to eat and move, and use a hay bag, or a small-holed haynet to slow his intake,” he adds. “Placing some forage at floor level will vary his neck position and elevate his spine when eating, promoting natural drainage of respiratory secretions and ensuring correct alignment of the cheek teeth when chewing.”

You might also be interested in:

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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

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.

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.

KM Elite Stall Guard

Colours: Black or navy

Made with heavy duty nylon webbing, this canvas stall guard is fully adjustable.

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.

Elico Stall Guard

Colours: Navy

This width-adjustable guard is fitted with six trigger clips. Will fit doorways of 94–117cm.

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.

Hy Equestrian Stable Chain

Colours: Black, blue or pink

This chain has a quick-release panic clip at one end.

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.

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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Hay feeders, mirrors and activity balls can improve horses’ time in the stable, research has shown.

In a study published in Animals, US researchers assessed the physiological and behavioural responses of nine stabled horses to hay feeders, mirrors and activity balls, provided in addition to their usual bucket feed and hay fed from the ground.

The results showed that enrichment increased heart rate, foraging and locomotion and that overall, horses performed more “species-typical time budgets”.

“The hay feeder, activity ball and mirror appeared equally engaging, so we concluded that both edible and non-edible items can be effective enrichment,” lead author Miranda Brauns of the University California Davis told H&H.

“Additionally, enrichment decreased frustration behaviours, so we suggest that horses responded to enrichment with a positive emotional state, although additional research involving judgment bias testing is needed to more definitively conclude horses’ emotional states.”

Ms Brauns said the aim was to improve understanding so we can “better utilise enrichment as a welfare tool, particularly for horses who may spend sizeable time in a stable setting”.

“Enrichment effects on horses have been studied before, but there is very limited research that analyses both physiological and behavioural components. There is also limited research that compares multiple items within the same study. Therefore, our research incorporated these variables so we may obtain a more comprehensive understanding of enrichment,” said Ms Brauns.

“This study gives evidence that providing enrichment has a positive effect on physiology and behaviour, so it is strongly recommended to improve the overall welfare of stabled horses. We also found a time-of-day effect, so we recommend providing enrichment during times when horses do not have daily meal provisions.

“Individual horses may respond to enrichment in different ways, so horse owners are encouraged to try different enrichments to see what works best for their horse.”

In the study, the horses’ had at least one and a half hours of training and 30 minutes of turnout per day. H&H asked Ms Brauns if she felt the results might be different with increased turnout.

“I would hypothesise that results would be different if turnout time was greater. This is supported by enrichment studies that tested in larger paddocks and had differing results to ours,” she said.

“For example, Benhajali et al. 2009 saw a decrease in locomotion with enrichment whereas we saw an increase. Even if testing remained in stalls, a greater time in turnout may change how horses behave while in their stalls, due to the fact that turnout can be considered a form of enrichment itself. Therefore, this would be another interesting question future research could undertake.”

• Read the full study

World Horse Welfare director of UK welfare Malcolm Morley said the charity always recommends that people turn out their horses as much as possible.

“It’s really important to provide horses with the three Fs – friends, forage and freedom. Nothing replaces regular turnout with companions,” he told H&H. “However, if a horse has to be stabled, they should ideally have continuous access to forage, supplemented by a variety of forms of enrichment that may help them cope, so it’s great to have some evidence to support this in the form of this study.

“As ever, we’d urge owners to treat all horses as individuals and try out several different types of enrichment and ways to provide forage to see what their own horse prefers – our farms have seen some quite distinct preferences when trialling this with our horses. More research on longer-term impacts and with larger groups of horses would be welcomed.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Climate change and population growth are placing huge strain on water supplies and the Environment Agency is predicting that England will face a five billion litre a day shortfall for public water supplies by 2055.

Warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers mean the water table is encountering extremes. We are unable to capture the excessive rainfall we experience in the winter due to inadequate infrastructure, droughts in the summer mean less rain, and warmer weather means more water evaporates and the soil dries out quicker.

How the water crisis will affect horse owners

As horse owners, we use more water than most. Alongside providing it to our horses for drinking, we also use it for various aspects of their care and maintenance such as washing, cleaning, soaking hay and feed, cooling horses and, if you have an arena, you will also be aware of the regular need to water it.

The water situation is serious for equestrian sport, says Ruth Dancer, director at the environmental consultancy company White Griffin.

“It’s much more than just hosepipe bans. By 2030 a significant proportion of the country will experience extreme water shortages. We have five years to put infrastructure and practices in place to be more self-sufficient.

“We’re so used to having water readily available that I really worry this is a topic that seriously flies under the radar for most of the population, and certainly equestrians.

“I think it’s incredibly important that people like myself raise the alarm,” says Ruth. “Not to panic people, but to say, ‘If we prepare now, there are things we can put in place through slow, steady investment over a few years,’ rather than a panic approach in five years’ time. For the regular horse owner, it’s about thinking, ‘How do I work with nature rather than fighting against it?’

“I think a lot of people don’t realise that water stress is going to be a massive issue in this country,” explains Ruth, who urges that we need to understand that water stress isn’t a ‘maybe’: it’s going to be a reality.

“Combatting severe water stress means limiting the times a day when you can use water, as well as the volume. This is serious for a sector like equestrian, because using water is a welfare issue, not just in terms of hydrating and cooling our horses, but watering our arena surfaces to reduce respiratory problems, too.”

Ruth adds that water will evolve as a commodity, costing more to use. “Water will likely become a lot more like electricity; most people are concerned about their electric usage because their bills are very high, and as water becomes more expensive, then attitudes towards use will shift.”

“Hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters are the pattern for the UK moving forward,” she explains. “We need to learn to work with that.”

For Ruth, the ideal culture shift is a move towards water self-sufficiency, which means embracing rainwater harvesting.

“This is something that’s reasonably normal for farmers. There are companies out there that supply rainwater harvesting on a very large scale for agriculture and business,” adds Ruth, but she explains there are examples of smaller-scale harvesting on livery yards of all sizes, and even on private yards.

“We’ve got these lovely stable roofs perfect for collecting rainwater. Even if you’ve only got one or two stable roofs and one smallish container, it’s free water. And, there’s technology and maintenance you can invest in to make sure you can store it and it’s clean.”

What is rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater from gutters and downpipes that would otherwise flow into the drain.

Methods can be as simple as placing a bucket or container under the drip line of a roof or a downpipe, or more complex like installing an underwater pumped system.

Harvested rainwater can be used for:

• washing horses
• drinking
• soaking hay
• cleaning tack or equipment
• watering arenas

Can horses drink harvested rainwater?

Harvested rainwater is not ‘potable’, or fit for human consumption, unless appropriately treated and filtered.

Horses can drink harvested rainwater, however, but care needs to be taken to ensure it is free from contaminants and the system is maintained regularly.

The UKRWA (UK Rainwater Management Association) recommends multi-stage filtration and UV treatment is considered at yards where harvesting rainwater for equine consumption and soaking hay.

Benefits of rainwater harvesting

• Reduces water waste
• Potential to save a lot of money
• Reduces rainwater runoff, which helps protect grazing during wetter winters, and flooding
• Supports biodiversity net gain and water neutrality goals, which may assist with rural grants or planning approval
• Secures a water supply in times of drought and making yards more resilient to climate change

Other ways horse owners can save water

Other measures include:

• turning taps off
• fixing leaks
• using mechanisms such as SealStop to prevent buckets and troughs overflowing
• letting your horse’s drink their trough down before emptying it to clean
• reusing water from troughs to water plants, or from water buckets to add to feeds or clean feed bowls
• installing automatic drinkers

Rainwater harvesting systems in practice

In simple terms, rainwater harvesting gives property owners access to supplementary water alongside – and, crucially, separate from – their mains water supply.

“This water does not meet regulatory standards for mains water, nor is it ‘potable’, or safe for human consumption,” explains a spokesman from the UKWRA, a trade organisation championing water reuse as a defence against future flood and water shortage risks. “This is why it must be stored separately from mains water to avoid cross-contamination.”

Using drainage pipework, rainwater is collected from sloping roofs of any kind, including barns and stables.

Rainwater is fed through a filter and into an above-ground or underground storage tank. Individual harvesting systems have bespoke filtration and pumping systems, from domestic use of toilet flushing to outside use only for watering plants and washing cars.

According to UKWRA, a basic setup for stable yard cleaning, horse wash-down bays and rinsing tack and equipment could include:

• a guttering system on stable roofs
• leaf guards and first-flush diverters to improve water quality
• a small above-ground tank up to 5,000 litres, suitable for capturing run-off
• a basic filter, possibly a low-pressure pump or gravity-fed hose

Costs

You could spend anything from £2,000 to in excess of £30,000 to install a rainwater harvesting system, but Ruth adds that, for the average horse owner, you can be as sophisticated as your budget allows and you don’t have to spend thousands.

“If you’re canny and have a few bits of drainpipe and a water butt, you can rig up your own small-scale rainwater collecting system,” she says. “It’s perfect for watering plants, rinsing equipment and washing horses down.”

If you owner a large or commercial yard and want to educe the reliance on mains or borehole water, you could install a system that could deliver water for arena irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry facilities and even animal consumption, subject to appropriate filtration and treatment, but this, of course, will require an investment.

For more information and advice on rainwater harvesting, visit the UKWRA’s website.

Maintainance

DIY maintenance is possible for smaller systems, but the UKWRA recommends a service contract or annual check by a qualified technician, especially for larger or more complex systems.

While there is no mandatory inspection regime for rainwater harvesting systems, UKRWA recommends that all commercial users adhere to the BS EN 16941-1:2024 standard, which is a rainwater harvesting code of practice. Additionally, they advise planned routine maintenance and checks, especially where systems supply water to humans or animals.

Above-ground tanks might be more convenient for cleaning and inspection, but they are prone to algae growth and require protection from UV exposure, such as opaque tanks and protective covers to reduce this.

Other precautions include visual inspections every few months for algae, sediment and structural integrity. Annual cleans, or cleans as necessary, are essential.

Below-ground tanks are less exposed to light and temperature changes, so there is lower biological activity. You need to arrange for annual inspections to check for silt build-up or debris.

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Horse & Hound created this content as part of a paid partnership with Monarch Equestrian. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Horse & Hound.

With hotter, drier summers now the UK norm, you’re probably wondering how to keep stables cool in summer.

Of course, all horse owners should ensure management is adapted to the hotter time of year.

“Horses need to be monitored closely when temperatures soar,” remarks Michael Thompson of Monarch. “Keeping a thermometer in a central location will make you aware of internal temperatures in buildings. Prolonged stable temperatures of more than 32ºC can be dangerous.”

Ensuring unlimited fresh water is essential.

“Our auto-drinkers ensure a constant and reliable supply as a horse’s water intake increases,” he adds. “Gentle exercise in the shade, such as on one of our covered walkers, gives horses a break from their stable with protection from the midday sun.”

There is much you can do to cool down a horse, such as opting for night-time turnout, or for instant relief you can cold hose and leave the horses to dry naturally. However, neither of these actions has a lasting impact if your horse has to return to a warm stable.

So, how can you adapt your horse’s stable to reduce the internal temperature? Is it possible to build cooler stables? And how can you ensure the effects aren’t reversed in winter?

How to keep stables cool: ventilation

Stagnant air is bad news for ammonia and dust build-up. Not only this, but it also increases humidity, which can make stables feel stuffy and unbearably warm.

“Stables can quickly become hotboxes in the summer if not properly ventilated,” warns Michael. “They can trap heat and humidity, making them uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for horses.

“Our designers implement proper ventilation into each design,” he continues. “Design features such as high ceilings, windows, and vents all allow for natural airflow, keeping the stable cool in summer.”

But how do vents work?

“Fresh air must enter the building at the eaves, or gutter level, and escape through a ridge of the roof, which is called a vented ridge,” explains Hugh Daly of Equus Works. “This works because fresh air enters through the eaves, warms and rises to escape from the vented ridge.

“In existing barns, cladding can be removed at the eaves to allow ingress of fresh air,” he adds. “A crossflow of air is essential, and all too often modern barns are closed off from fresh air.”

Hugh adds that, ideally, stables should have at least a 1x1m window on the back wall.

“This allows for seasonal temperature changes,” he explains. “Toughened glass with window bars will allow natural light all year round, and can be opened for a further source of fresh air in summer.

“We use turn-and-tilt windows to keep the elements out but allow air in.”

Constructing stables for optimal temperature

When considering how to keep stables cool, materials matter.

“Monarch’s polycarbonate roof sheets incorporate UV protection, heat blocking and multi-layered colour combinations for dispersing heat and light,” explains Michael.

“Our slate effect sheets allow for air to travel freely behind and underneath, ensuring a breathable roof,” he continues. However, breathability does mean compromising on warmth in winter. “We also offer insulated slate roof systems that provide tremendous thermal retention in the colder months.”

Hugh also recommends insulated roof sheets to both reflect heat in the summer and reduce heat loss in winter. While maximising natural light is important in stable construction, Hugh advises owners to avoid one common mistake.

“Roof light sheets, while letting the light in, bring the sun directly into stables and heat them up,” he warns. “In an American barn, we always recommend a vented light ridge over the walkway. That way, you get light without direct sun on the horses and a vent for warm air to escape from.”

Finally, the build position influences temperature.

“South-facing walls could be considered a heat source,” remarks Hugh, adding that insulated walls with internal stables positioned on the north side of a building can help guard against overheating.

Implementing cooling systems

Stable fans are a simple, low-investment method of keeping horses cool in stables. As well as boosting airflow for comfort, stable fans have many benefits, such as disrupting biting insects and dispersing ammonia build-up. Floor and wall-mounted fans are most commonly available.

Misting fans are a more sophisticated solution. They come in a variety of designs, from a portable fan setup for competitions, single-stable systems to large misting lines that can be suspended in the apex of a barn or marquee.

Koolfog’s high-pressure misting fans work by producing micron-sized water droplets that, while evaporating and turning to vapour, remove heat from the air, cooling the surrounding area.

“This process, called adiabatic cooling, reduces outdoor temperatures by as much as 18ºC,” explains Jason Coller, managing director at Koolfog. “It makes days where temperatures exceed even 38ºC comfortable.”

Systems like Koolfog’s come with pre-fabricated misting apparatus that is easy to install.

“Portable systems are delivered ready assembled and simply need to be wheeled into place and connected to a water supply – a standard yard tap is fine.” adds Jason.

What’s more, cooling in this way does not risk bedding waste.

“High-pressure systems like Koolfog’s produce a fine mist that evaporates before it reaches the ground, so it does not make bedding wet.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Horse & Hound created this content as part of a paid partnership with Monarch Equestrian. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Horse & Hound.

Despite most horse owners longing for the better weather for much of the year, many worry about keeping their horses cool and comfortable when it’s hot.

As summer temperatures climb, it’s essential to proactively ensure horses remain cool, healthy, and comfortable, whether stabled or in the field. This might involve more frequent visits, adjusting turnout schedules, and investing some handy products to aid cooling.

How to keep your horse comfortable when stabled

1. Provide shelter and shade

During hot weather, shelter or shade is essential, whether it’s a field shelter, natural shade from trees or a stable. For horses with fair or light skin, apply one of the best sun creams for horses for additional protection from harmful UV rays.

2. Adjust turnout routines

If your horse is stabled, consider adapting your routine to avoid turning your horse out during peak sunlight hours.

3. Keep stables cool

If your horse must be stabled during the hottest part of the day, do what you can to keep the stable cool and bear in mind that wooden stables tend to be hotter than brick. Good ventilation is crucial, and you might consider a portable fan (like this one on Amazon) to circulate air and reduce the temperature.

4. Minimise flies

Use one of the best fly sprays – some brands (usually the American ones) offer stable sprays, so consider whether spraying your horse’s environment will have added benefit. Removing droppings more frequently will also help to keep flies at bay.

5. Ensure adequate hydration

It is essential that your horse has constant access to fresh water. During hot weather, horses can drink more than double their usual intake, so up to 60 litres. Keep water buckets clean to prevent algae and bacteria growth. If you have a automatic trough, adding this Equine America water treatment (which is environmentally friendly with a natural action) will help you keep it clean.

6. Boost water intake further

Introduce a soaked feed or add extra water to their normal feed ration to help increase overall hydration. Soaking or steaming hay can also add extra water to the diet.

7. Replenish electrolytes

Sweating causes horses to lose vital salts. Supplementing their diet with the best electrolytes for horses can help maintain hydration by encouraging water intake. The best rehydration mashes offer a tempting feed with added electrolytes and are quick and easy to prepare, while a salt lick gives them an opportunity to self-regulate their salt intake, although this shouldn’t be replied on as the horse’s only form of salt.

8. Cool down with hosing

Hosing your horse down, paired with one of the best no-rinse washes, can significantly lower their body temperature and provide a refreshing treat.

You might also like:

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I have no electric or Wi-Fi at my pony’s field, but thanks to a the Reolink Go PT Ultra camera and solar panel, I can keep an eye on him from the comfort of my sofa. It’s powered by a solar panel and uses a 4G SIM card to show live and recorded footage – and it’s currently 30% off thanks to Amazon Prime Day.

We’ve reviewed a couple of Reolink cameras at H&H, and we’ve awarded them H&H Approved status. That said, plenty of other camera brands enable surveillance without mains electric and Wi-Fi – and these are some of the best stable cameras I see recommended regularly on social media. They all have slightly different features, but the key thing is they can all be set up to work in remote fields and stables – and they’re all discounted for Prime Day (8–11 July).

Other Amazon Prime Day field camera deals

How does it work?

My solar panel provides enough power to use all year round, but you can also charge the devices up at home if you need more in a particularly dark winter. I ran it off a cheap SIM deal – £6/month provided me with 5GB data and this was plenty.

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Temperatures in the UK are set to rise again later in the week – most of the country will see highs of more than 27ºC. If you’re planning to stable your horse during the high temperatures, you’ll need to think about how you can keep your horse cool. To help you out, we’ve rounded up some suitable portable fan deals that are part of Amazon Prime Day.

Portable camping fans are rechargeable (usually via USB) and can be mounted on a variety of surfaces. Some attach via a clip, which makes them perfect for stall bars or lorry partitions, although we recommend not transporting horses in the heat of the day. Not only are fans useful for cooling, but they are also effective in preventing midges as they struggle to fly in a strong breeze.

Best Amazon Prime Day portable fan deals

As Amazon Prime Day (8–11 July) is happening right now, there’s no better time to invest in a portable fan to help keep your horse comfortable – and they’ll arrive with free next-day delivery.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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62 best deals for equestrians to buy this Amazon Prime Day – sale ends today!

Pivo just discounted its entire equestrian range for Prime Day – if you’ve ever wanted to record your rides hands-free, now’s your chance!

Credit: SPILLERS

Spillers’ entire new supplement range is on sale for Amazon Prime Day with the biggest saving yet!

Credit: Georgia Guerin

Forget Airpods, these headphones are much safer to wear at the yard – and they’re up to 46% off for Prime Day 2025

Credit: Future

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Sustainability is a topic that seems to be everywhere right now, but how feasible is sustainability for horse owners? As Ruth Dancer, CEO of White Griffin explains, equestrians have plenty of reasons to get behind implementing sustainable practices in their home and yard lives.

“Horse sport depends entirely on the health of the environment,” she tells H&H. “Whether it’s decent turnout with healthy grass, the quantity and quality of crops that farmers grow for feed and bedding, or even the risk of infectious diseases like West Nile Virus, recently found in UK mosquitoes, and African Horse Sickness coming to our country – climate change is a major factor in all these issues.”

There are many routes to sustainability for horse owners. As Ruth explains, it doesn’t have to be done in large-scale, expensive gestures. Rather, lots of small, low-cost changes can make a big difference.

“Ultimately, sustainability is one of the best ways of saving money,” she continues. “By using less electricity, fuel, and water, we are helping the environment and saving money too.”

So, how can we implement sustainable practices as horse owners? Read on for simple steps that not only won’t break the bank, but might also save you money.

Six easy steps to improve sustainability for horse owners

1. When it comes to waste management, the rules vary from county to county. So, it’s up to horse owners to enquire.

“Non-biodegradable waste is a difficult one to advise on if you don’t have good recycling provision locally,” says Ruth. “A failsafe is to choose companies that will collect your rubbish and recycle it for you.

“There are bedding companies who will collect your plastic wrap and recycle it, there is even one that has reusable bags that you can return, so options are out there. Most of us have at least two bins at home, with recyclables in one and general waste in the other. So, why not do the same at the yard?”

2. Biodegradable waste can be harnessed and used to level up your grazing.

“One of equestrianism’s biggest waste streams is manure,” says Ruth. “Where possible, opting for bedding like chopped straw and storing muck heaps effectively means manure becomes an excellent resource that can be harrowed back into the land. This provides nutrients and helps move us away from the use of chemicals.”

3. Good water conservation practices are becoming more and more important, too.

“We often don’t think extreme water shortages are something to worry about in the UK, but we know that by 2030 many parts of the country will experience this,” warns Ruth. “This means that, in the coming years, water will become much more expensive, and regulations will be put in place surrounding the use of water.

“Water is fundamental to our sport and we can never be in a position where drinking water is restricted for our horses,” she continues. “So, as the third biggest user of water in the leisure sector, we must start investing now in infrastructure and technology that enables us to harvest rainwater for washing horses and tack, and if possible, consider the use of boreholes and arena surfaces that require far less watering.”

A rainwater harvesting system is out of reach financially for many private horse and yard owners. However, riders can start small. Try investing in a water butt to collect water for purposes such as cleaning buckets or washing horses down, or buy a limiter to turn off water supply once buckets are full automatically.

4. Sustainability for horse owners can be as simple as considering your buying habits and asking: ‘Do I really need this? If so, does it need to be brand new?’

“One of the biggest factors driving environmental problems is excessive consumerism,” says Ruth. “By buying less, or buying second-hand, you can save a lot of money while being more sustainable.

“Basic principles of reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle are all part of both a sustainable and low-cost way of living.”

5. According to Ruth, we can even make our horses’ forage more sustainable – better for them and the environment.

“We can do so much better than over-grazed paddocks containing nothing but ryegrass,” she says. “Herbs and wildflowers can be a wonderful natural aid to digestion, and reduce inflammation. By giving our horses options, we give them the chance to ingest what benefits them.

“I’d always recommend speaking to a vet before making dietary changes, but by introducing different grasses and herbs into your setup, you not only help your horse with a more varied diet, but create a better habitat for nature, enhancing carbon storage in the soil and even a more resilient root structure to help maintain the soil and reduce poaching in winter.”

6. Growing wildflowers is good news all round, low-cost and easy to do.

“Nature loves diversity; it thrives when different species can coexist,” says Ruth. “Therefore, by putting a range of different wildflowers into paddocks, not only do we see invertebrates and pollinating insects increase, but we also know that the soil health underneath is improving.”

Ruth adds that horse riders have the opportunity to make a big impact on biodiversity, which could be a boost for social licence.

“We have lost around 97% of our species-rich grassland in the UK,” she explains. “If equestrians make changes now, in the long term we can hope to restore some of what was lost. We could be key players in beginning to see our native British wildlife thrive again.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

You’re on the search for one of the best stable cameras? Whether you’re preparing for foaling, need to keep an eye on a poorly patient on box rest or just enjoy the idea of watching your horses from the comfort of your sofa, there are plenty of stable cameras to choose from. Plus, not only do stable cameras allow you to keep an eye on your horse, but they can boost your yard security and help to deter thieves, too.

I’ve selected a range of cameras suitable that allow you to check in on your horses when you’re away from the yard. We’ve covered a range of budgets and a range of features you’ll be sure to find something suitable for your needs.

Best stable cameras: H&H’s quick guide

Best battery/solar-powered camera: Reolink Go PT Plus

Best value camera: ieGeek 3G/4G LTE

Best mains-powered camera: Genbolt 3G/4G LTE

Best camera for crime prevention: Guard My Farm WiFi

Reolink Go PT Plus

Connectivity: 3G/4G

Power: Battery or optional solar

RRP: From £159.99 for camera only

H&H Review: 10/10, H&H Approved

Reasons to buy

• Operates via a sim card no need for Wi-Fi
• Two-way audio
• Controllable via an app

Reasons to avoid

• Cost increases as you need to buy a memory card, solar panel and sim card separately (although sometimes a bundle is on offer)

You can use this waterproof, wireless camera without Wi-Fi and without mains power, which makes it suitable for any yard. It gives you a really wide field of view with 355° pan and 140° tilt, so is ideal if you’re looking for a field and yard camera. It has a high resolution of 2K 4MP Super HD, a zoom function, 33ft night vision and benefits from intelligent person and vehicle detection. The app can alert you when the camera senses the movement, and offers live view and playback.

The camera also has an effective two-way audio system so you can communicate with someone through the camera using the app. You can also take instant time- and date-stamped screenshots from the live recordings

The battery lasts up to four weeks, depending on usage before it needs recharging, but you can connect a Reolink solar panel via a USB cable for non-stop supply. The Go PT Plus has 32GB of memory built in, but you can add a Micro SD card to add another 128GB or store seven days of footage for free in the Reolink Cloud.

H&H’s Becky Murray tested this camera and was really impressed. She found the picture quality was excellent day and night. If you get the package with the solar panel, it offers everything you need from an outdoor camera, especially yards with no Wi-Fi or electricity.

Read H&H’s independent Reolink Go PT Plus review.

ieGeek 3G/4G LTE Outdoor Camera

Connectivity: 3G/4G

Power: Solar

RRP: £149.99

Reasons to buy

• Supplied with solar panel and memory card
• Control remotely from app

Reasons to avoid

• If you are only monitoring one stable you might be able to get a fixed camera

This camera comes complete with a 64MB memory card and is connected to a network via a SIM card and powered by sunlight, with a solar panel (included) you can install it anywhere without wifi coverage and electricity. It has a 4x zoom function, 355° horizontal rotation and 120° vertical tilt, which you can control remotely via the app.

It has 2K resolution and 33 feet colour night vision aided by built-in spotlights. It can track human movement.

Genbolt 3G/4G LTE Outdoor Camera

Connectivity: 3G/4G or POE

Power: Mains

RRP: £89.99

Reasons to buy

• Supplied with a 300MB trial SIM card
• Provides all-round coverage

Reasons to avoid

• Mains powered might not suit everyone’s needs

This waterproof mains powered camera doesn’t need wifi. This 4G camera comes with an exclusive high-speed SIM card inserted, which includes 300MB of cellular data for a 30 day trial. You can view live footage with multiple users online at the same time and easily refill and check your remaining data on an app. With customizable motion detection you’re able to set 1-4 specific detection zones for your camera, preventing false alarms. It offers 355° Pan, 90° Tilt and 4X digital zoom providing you all-round protection.

It has colour night vision aided by built-in floodlights. It can track human movement and has two-way audio.

Guard My Farm WiFi Outdoor Security Camera

Connectivity: 4G or WiFi

Power: Mains or optional solar

RRP: £135.99

Reasons to buy

• Super HD resolution
• All-round coverage and 4 x zoom controlled via an app
• Live stream, record, store and download footage

Reasons to avoid

• If you don’t have a use for the extra features

You can use this waterproof, wireless camera that gives you a really large field of view with pan and tilt rotation providing 360° surveillance perfect for use as a field or yard camera. With a high resolution of 3MP Super HD, a 4x zoom function, 65ft full colour night vision and benefits from human triggered motion detection. The app can support multiple users and allows you to position the camera where needed.

The camera can be powered by solar or plugged into the mains. It also has an effective two-way audio system so you can communicate with someone through the camera using the app. The WiFi outdoor wireless security camera has a built in siren alarm, security lights and will instantly notify you of activity detected.

Ezviz CB8 2K

Connectivity: WiFi

Power: Battery or optional solar

RRP: £129.99

Reasons to buy

• Offers 360° view
• Battery or solar powered
• Colour night vision

Reasons to avoid

• If you need a solar panel this is sold separately

This wireless weatherproof camera benefits from a 360° field of view and boasts up to 210 days of battery life. Features include person detection, auto-tracking and colour night vision, and with no wires it’s easy to install. It has 2K resolution, smart human motion detection and auto-tracking, colour night vision and two-way audio.

You can use a Micro SD card up to 256 GB, and it works with an Ezviz solar panel for non-stop power.

Reolink Go Plus

Connectivity: 3G/4G

Power: Battery or optional solar

RRP: From £169.99 for camera only

Reasons to buy

• Battery or solar powered
• High resolution images

Reasons to avoid

• It doesn’t come with any built in memory, so you will need to purchase a memory card

If you don’t have the budget for the Go PT Plus, this Reolink camera boasts many of the same benefits, including image quality, plus it’s still suitable for yards without Wi-Fi or mains power. The main difference is that this camera doesn’t pan or tilt, so would be better suited covering a smaller area such as a stable. It also doesn’t come with any built in memory, but there is a Micro SD card slot so you can add up to 128MB or use the Reolink Cloud.

Farmstream Static 5MP Camera

Connectivity: WiFi, 4G or POE/WiFi

Power: Mains or battery

RRP: From £149

Reasons to buy

• If you are looking for a mains powered camera
• Stream live footage from app

Reasons to avoid

• Fixed position camera – so if you need to view a wider area look for a camera that pans and tilts

The Farmstream 5MP Static Camera has a viewing angle of 75° and night vision range of 30m. It is a fixed position camera (no panning or tilting option, but you can choose the initial position) with 5MP HD resolution. It is available in a Wi-Fi or 4G model, and can be plugged into the mains or powered by a standard 12V leisure battery.

The app allows you to stream footage remotely, receive motion detection alerts and set recording times. You can use an SD card with up to 256GB footage, which is approximately eight day’s worth.

This camera is described as easy and simple to install – plug it in, download the app and scan the QR code on the base of the camera to connect.

Xega 3G/4G LTE Outdoor Camera

Connectivity: 3G/4G

Power: Battery/solar

RRP: £139.99

Reasons to buy

• Battery can be boasted by solar panel
• 4x zoom
• Colour night vision

Reasons to avoid

• If you are looking for a camera to cover one stable you might not need the pan features it offers

This water-resistant camera doesn’t need Wi-Fi and comes with a rechargeable battery that can be boosted by a solar panel. The camera can pan 355°, vertically tilt 95° and has 4x digital zoom. It has HD night vision, which enables the camera to capture 2K colour footage up to 65ft.

You can use the app to control the pan and tilt, and access the camera’s live footage at any time, as well as replay and download footage.

JideTech 5MP PTZ Outdoor Camera

Connectivity: POE

Power: Mains/battery or mains only

RRP: £269

Reasons to buy

• Offers 20x zoom
• Pan and tilt features
• Two-way audio

Reasons to avoid

• Uses an ethernet cable to transmit both power and data

The HD 5MP camera has 20x zoom, which provides sharp and clear images, with night vision that allows you to see movement up to 400ft away. It has intelligent motion detection and automatic tracking, with the ability to pan 355° and tilt vertically 90°. It has two-way audio and has a 128GB SD card slot for storing footage.

Hiseeu PTZ 5X Zoom Outdoor Camera

Connectivity: WiFi

Power: Mains

RRP: £109.99

Reasons to buy

• Can remotely control via an app
• Pan and tilt features

Reasons to avoid

• Mains powered so not suitable for stables with no mains power supple

This waterproof camera is a great option if your stable block has ethernet or 2.4Ghz WiFi connection. It has a 5x zoom function, 320° panning and 90° vertical tilt, which you can control remotely via the app.

It has 2K resolution and 65ft colour night vision aided by two built-in floodlights. It can track human movement and has two-way audio. The camera supports up to 128GB SD card recording and cloud storage.

Xega 4G LTE Outdoor Camera

Connectivity: 4G

Power: Solar

RRP: £199.99

Reasons to buy

• Weatherproof camera can be used outdoors
• Comes complete with solar panel and prepaid 300mb sim card
• Records 24/7 not only when motion is detected

Reasons to avoid

• Camera needs to be positioned outdoors as the solar panel is positioned on top of the camera to offer non-stop power

This 3MP HD weatherproof wireless camera runs off a mobile phone network and is powered by a solar panel. Comes complete with 20W solar panel, prepaid 300MB SIM card. Unlike other cameras it can record 24/7 not only when motion is detected. This camera can turn 355°horizontally and 95° vertically, pan and tilt. You can remotely control the pan-tilt and view live footage from the App.

It has four built-in infrared LEDs, two night vision modes for use even in complete darkness. It supports an SD card to record footage that you can view from the app or on your computer. It has two-way audio and the option of alerts sent to your phone.

Can you use stable cameras with no Wi-Fi?

Stables often don’t have access to Wi-Fi, while many also don’t have access to mains power, but there are stable cameras designed for every situation.

In order to be able to watch your camera live or download footage wirelessly to your phone, you need some sort of internet connection. Considering most yards don’t have Wi-Fi connection – or at least not close enough for a strong signal – you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t need Wi-Fi to make use of a stable camera. Of course, if you do have Wi-Fi connection, then there are camera options that run off the Wi-Fi, too.

Most stable cameras run off the mobile network – all you need is a SIM card, which you insert into the camera and top up like you would a pay-as-you-go phone or pay a SIM-only monthly contract. It’s worth finding out what networks are strongest in your area to ensure you get a reliable connection.

You can also connect a camera via a PoE (power over ethernet) connection, which provides both power and internet via a single cable. You don’t need outdoor mains to use a PoE camera, but you need a PoE network switch and you have to run a cable from a power source from a nearby building. PoE is generally considered to give a more reliable connection than Wi-Fi, so this is a good option if your stables are fairly close to your house.

How to choose the best stable camera

There are several features that make some cameras stand out as particularly good, but much of the answer depends on how you hope to use your camera – for example, whether it will view a single stable, the yard area or field.

First of all, you need a camera that is suitable for outdoor use – if you’re unsure, look for the ratings IP66, which offers the highest protection against water and dust, or IP69K, which means it has also been tested in high temperatures. All the cameras we’ve featured below are suitable for outdoor use.

Secondly, you want to ensure the camera offers good image quality – many are HD – and good night vision capabilities. If you’re looking to monitor an area larger than a standard 12x12ft stable, then zoom function will also be beneficial. Likewise, depending on the size and shape of the area you’re monitoring, panning and tilting functions could be incredibly beneficial as they allow you to view a much larger area. Wireless cameras are easy to move and suffer less from interference.

Other handy features include two-way audio, which allows you to communicate with someone in your stable. This could be useful for giving rugging instructions as well as warning away an intruder. Motion detection is also beneficial for security purposes.

When it comes to storage, there are a couple of options. Most cameras support an SD card, but some will have a more generous size limit. Some cameras also have a cloud function, which is useful if you need to store large amounts of footage. Finally, it would be foolish to forget the app as you’ll be using this regularly. Check reviews before making your purchase to ensure it is easy to use and has the functions you require.

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If you are considering establishing a new yard, one of the first choices you will have to make is whether to choose loose boxes or American barn stabling.

When choosing what buildings or barn to incorporate into your equestrian project, space and the surrounding buildings play a big part.

“Planning permission will be needed for all permanent equestrian builds such as a barns or external stable block,” says Lorelei Tomkins of Monarch Equestrian. “What will need to be taken into consideration is; the style of which the build will be, the space surrounding it and it’s access, and also the impact on the area in which it will sit. Normally looking at buildings near your plot of land can give you some indication of what is more likely to be accepted.”

Choosing which type of stabling is better for you is a personal decision, but sometimes planning can play a big part in that choice.

“When space is premium or planning guidelines need to be adhered to then external stable blocks may be the easier answer, as they generally have a smaller footprint,” adds Lorelei. “If you are in doubt, speak to your local planning officer for advice.”

“Well-situated and designed, both options offer a first-class environment for horses and the final decision between the two systems is likely to be a matter of personal preference and the requirements of the local authority planning office,” says Scotts of Thrapston’s Julia Berrie. “However, there are some important considerations.”

• Cost is always a significant factor and American barns tend to work out significantly more expensive than loose boxes for the same stabling capacity. Obviously, you will get more for your money and the size of the building, coupled with some other benefits, might well make up for the added expense.

• Planning permission is usually more difficult to obtain for American Barns, especially in sensitive locations. The increased ridge height and more modern style of building can invite opposition from the planners. Loose boxes, by contrast, can be configured in a much more “traditional” way, with a less intrusive ridge height, that blends in better with the surroundings.

• In working yards, especially in riding schools and livery yards, American barns are popular since everything is in one place and arranged around a central passageway. This results in less walking for grooms and a more efficient workplace.

• Both options can be fully “customised” to suit individual requirements. Colours, layouts, styles and architectural details can be altered to suit either the desires of the customer or the stipulations of the planners.

• Loose boxes offer greater scope for increasing the capacity and expanding the yard while retaining the original design scheme. By simply “adding on” more loose boxes using the same materials a larger yard can grow incrementally from a small one.

• Mucking out in the winter is much more pleasant for the grooms in an American barn. A central, covered passage gives total shelter from both wind and rain. Large sliding doors at either end of the passage allow access for a trailer or barrow, or even a tractor.

• Horses hate draughts and while the clear top-storey in an American barn gives excellent high-level ventilation, the internal partitioning stops draughts at horse level. In loose boxes, a ventilated ridge can give the same benefit but they are generally not as well ventilated.

• Natural light enters an American barn through the open top storey, giving good illumination throughout the day and giving a generally “airy” feel. Loose boxes need more artificial lighting to achieve the same effect.

• Loose boxes offer better isolation facilities. If a horse needs to be kept apart, for health or behavioural reasons, then it will be easier to manage in a loose box with its own outlook rather than in a box within a barn set-up.

• With an American barn, if one horse gets sick, they probably all will. This is, however, less likely to happen in a traditional stabling set-up.

• Horses are generally sociable creatures and they appreciate the shared view of each other within an American barn. An alternative view can also be provided by adding a rear-top door and this situation can lead to happier horses than the more secluded existence within loose boxes.

• Internal partitioning within an American barn is easier to re-arrange to suit changing circumstances, whereas loose boxes offer less flexibility, once built.

• Although American barns offer complete shelter from the elements, loose boxes fitted with a 6’ overhang will provide excellent shelter from all but the most persistent storms or driving rain. Careful orientation at the design stage can also guard against the prevailing wind and make the most of the natural light available.

Sometimes, adding new stables depends on existing buildings in the vicinity.

“The majority of the time, we end up designing new buildings around existing buildings on site as most people like to match things such as roofing materials and wall cladding,” says Scott Green, former business development manager of a stabling company. “The good thing with standard type loose box stables is they are a lot more flexible with regards to design, as we can build lots of different, weird and wonderful shapes and sizes.”

A lot depends on the materials you use, too.

“With timber American barns you are quite restricted as we have limits to how far the timber can span,” adds Scott. “However, with steel framed buildings you can do more, but you will end up spending more.”

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How to get planning permission for stables

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Providing the best stable environment for your horse is high on any owner’s list of priorities. While many of us would opt for extensive and unrestricted turnout for our equine friends given the choice, many horses spend increased hours in the stable this time of year for a number of reasons – yard turnout rules, frozen or poached ground, or even a period of box rest following injury or illness.

While we know that providing our horses with freedom to move, graze and socialise gives them optimal conditions to function healthily, long-term solutions to limited turnout such as paddock regeneration or a yard move, take time to implement. However, there are plenty of short-term fixes you can action now to improve your horse’s stable environment…

1. Clean between the mats

Most of us have morning mucking out down to a fine art and transforming a dung-strewn stable into a well-formed bed takes just minutes. Even in that short time, though, your nose probably becomes desensitised to the pungent ammonia smell that emanates from dirty bedding.

Ammonia, an alkaline gas, is an irritant which is produced when urea in your horse’s urine is broken down by enzymes that digest it. Prolonged exposure to ammonia is linked to irritation to the skin and lungs, which is why removing urine-soaked bedding is so important to stable hygiene.

Soiled bedding loves to congregate in the cracks between rubber matting and it’s easy to miss it sneaking under there and building up. Next time you muck out, push your horse’s bed back, peel back the edge of your mat and see what you can dig out with the end of a fork and broom. Not only is it super-satisfying – TikTok is definitely missing mucking out ASMR – but removing the festering, ammonia-producing bacteria will help sanitise the air in your stable environment, too.

2. Get scrubbing

Cleaning your horse’s water buckets is a no-brainer, but is one of those jobs you miss in a hurry. However, algae can form quickly and some varieties produce harmful toxins, so regular scrubbing is a must.

It’s straightforward to spot and clean a dirty water bucket, but automatic drinking systems can be harder to keep track of. As a rule, the bowl should be emptied and cleaned as regularly as you would a bucket. The easiest method is to let it drain into a bucket below the trough and scrub while elevating the float so it doesn’t refill. Be sure you regularly check the delivery system, too, which should be accessible under the cover. You might need a screwdriver to get into it, though!

3. Rearrange your wall-drobe

Tack room space is often scarce and making several trips to and from it is a chore, so many of us store rugs, bandages and boots in our stables for ease and to reclaim some space. Over time, these items attract dust and hay spores, which contaminate the stable environment. Take them outside today and give them a shake, but also consider whether all of these items are in regular circulation. When was the last time you used that one smelly stable rug? Or the white tendon boots? If they’re not in common use, give them a wash and store them elsewhere. You can even vacuum pack them to save space and keep them fresh.

4. Make forage fun

It’s not just cleanliness that’s important – lack of mental stimulation can lead to boredom, stress and the rise of stable vices. The best stable toys, treat balls and licks work well, but if you’re calorie conscious or your horse is accident prone then hiding fibre nuts or carrots in his hay ration will help give him something to engage his brain. Quarter the carrots lengthwise to make a little go a long way.

5. Take a walk

Perhaps you don’t have time to squeeze in a ride or you’re inadvertently ten minutes ahead of schedule? Use that time to pop your horse in a turnout or lunge pen, even the school if your yard allows, so he can stretch his legs and have a good roll. He’ll definitely appreciate a change of scene. Or take him for a hand walk, on or off yard, and let him investigate verges and hedgerows for a quick snack. It’ll be most welcome if he’s on fewer grazing hours at the moment.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When you imagine a horsey paradise, a vision of acres of green fields in lush rural surroundings usually springs to mind. But not every equestrian establishment comes in this typical package.

Just look around and you may find a yard full of horses in some very unexpected places…

1. Look up!

At the beautiful Ecuries Lalande Laborie in Dordogne, France, the horses live happily in double-decker stables (main image above) – the building is on the side of a steep hill so actually there are ground-level exits even for those with a bird’s eye view. In mountainous areas across Europe, these two-tier barn systems are an inspired way of adapting to the surroundings.

2. Fancy a pint?

In Wimbledon Village, south-west London, horses are a regular sight on the high street – but blink and you’ll miss the entrance to their cosy stables, tucked away behind a popular pub on a an extremely busy road.

3. Up on the roof

When they were built in the 1970s, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s 63 state-of-the-art air-conditioned stalls, constructed in a massive concrete structure rising to 11 storeys, were the world’s first multi-storey stables. These revolutionary racing stables were built on the Shan Kwong Road, which leads directly to the racecourse below and is surrounded by high-rise apartments. The building even featured this rooftop exercise arena and lungeing yard, and the stable hands were all housed in the higher floors of the building. This was not a place for humans or equines with vertigo.

4. Watching the world go by

In the busy of a bustling metropolis, trying to find space to stable some horses is no mean feat. The London-based Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment’s Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge is split over two storeys — The Blues and Royals are housed upstairs while The Life Guards are housed underneath.

5. A room with a view

Historically, London’s working horses were housed around a central courtyard and horses were driven up ramps to the first floor. In this picture from the 1920s, this grey had an outstanding view of St Paul’s Cathedral and the riverfront from his stables near Southwark Bridge. At this time, horses were still integral to the running of the docks and many stables existed close to the river. A decade or so earlier, part of what is now St Mary’s Hospital at Paddington was built by the railway as stables for the road delivery department and concrete ramps and galleries were added so up to 600 horses could be accommodated on the upper floors.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider who could not afford £25,000 for her dream stables built them herself, out of dismantled pallets.

Clara Fingerhut has taken apart more than 250 pallets, and got through more than 10,000 screws, and now has something unique and functional, which is a work of art.

Clara told H&H she moved to her new home in Brittany, France, in February, knowing she wanted four stables in the barn on site.

“I was looking at internal stables before I moved,” she said. “The idea was to spend on the fancy ones I’ve always wanted. But there were so many other things that needed doing; all the post and rail fencing, a track down to the barn for deliveries, the money was getting lower and lower, and I realised I couldn’t afford the stables.”

Clara’s first thought was to put something in herself that would do, and could be replaced in future with the ones she really wanted.

“But I think I prefer what I’ve got!” she said.

Clara, who has always loved DIY but had never done anything like this, has as yet been unable to work, as a groom, since she has lived in France owing to her nationality, so she had time to become, temporarily, a builder.

She cleared the barn, which was “full of old tat”, and engaged a professional to level the floor, add stones for drainage, lay rubber matting on top and concrete in vertical posts.

Then she went on the hunt for pallets.

“Luckily, I became friends with the guy who did the work and he’s a landscape gardener who does all sorts of other bits, and always gets pallets,” she said. “I got a lot from him, and from other people, and a local DIY store.

“The first one took me two and a half hours to take apart. I was determined but thought ‘How the hell am I going to be able to do enough?’ But I’ve found out that’s the more difficult type; the others weren’t easy but they were easier. I wasn’t really a pallet expert – but I am now!”

Clara separated each pallet into its component slim planks, which she then screwed on to 2x4s, or the equivalent from a shed she had thought was only fit for the dump, but turned out to have sound wood. All were cut to length, to make the partitions, the front and rear walls, and even the doors and a window.

The window proved problematic; she wanted a diamond shape to discourage chewing but this was unsuccessful, so she found a company that bends sheet metal, and did so for the window and the doors.

The result, after weeks of work, is two complete stables, one 5×5.5m, the other 4x5m, with a window in between and more to the rear, and two more that are in progress. And now her mares Gertie and Tallulah are installed and happy, she is working on the tack room. This has a more substantial roof to be used for storage but is also otherwise a pallet-based creation.

“I was quite proud of my work, not only because I’d built my own solid stables to house my horses, but because they also turned out to be a work of art!” Clara said.

“My horses have their own colours and Tallulah’s is pink, so I was planning to paint it a soft pink but I like the different colours of the planks; it looks really rustic and cosy, and I love the look and feel of it.

“I cried when I first got the horses in. I’ve always been a livery and on someone else’s yard, but this was mine and I could do what I wanted. Tallulah’s 27, bless her, and likes her creature comforts, and she was so happy to come in, in her enormous stable. I was over the moon. When the roof went on the tack room, I sat up there for hours, just looking at the stables.”

Clara added that although she would not have been disappointed had she been able to put in her original dream stables, “because I wouldn’t have known about this”, she is delighted with what she has, and the fact it was built with her own hands.

“It’s got its own personality,” she said.

“I’m not rich, nor am I posh, nor have I ever even had a horse on full livery. I’m just a groom who wanted the best possible life for her horses and did everything in her power to make that happen. I hope it inspires people to follow their dreams without needing to break the bank.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Can a stabled horse truly be a happy one? This was the question debated by equine welfare, behaviour and veterinary experts at a webinar hosted by World Horse Welfare on 9 March.

Andrew McLean, an award-winning animal behaviour scientist and former top-level eventer, showjumper and dressage rider, gave a presentation on why horses may respond in certain ways to being stabled — and what we can change to benefit their physical and mental health.

“This is a fascinating topic, and there are no right or wrong answers,” Dr McLean said, adding that it can be hard to tell whether a person is happy, let alone an animal.

He said as horses have become domestic animals, their habits have changed, so “there’s an argument they could be happy enough in a stable, though it’s unlikely a zebra would ever be”.

Dr McLean looked at horses’ brains and their ability to experience different feelings, explaining that they live far more in the moment than humans, “which is a great way to be”.

He said much of equine happiness is to do with enabling horses to meet their “fundamental needs”, not only such as nutrition and water, but also the “pillars”: communication and mental stimulation, the horse’s need to forage and for movement and exercise.

“The fourth pillar, social behaviour, is absolutely fundamental,” he said. “Horses, like humans, are hyper-social animals and their social needs are mediated by touch, not just seeing. That’s where stabling comes in, and how we design stables for the future.”

Dr McLean said stable mirrors and toys can help horses, but that access to other equids has a huge effect; mutual grooming is important. He cited work he had done with a mounted police section, who he asked to remove the bars between the horses’ stables. After some initial “ruckus”, the horses were much calmer on patrol, and spent a great deal of time in the stables touching.

“Someone who works for a big trainer tells me some of the old stables’ bricks have fallen out, and the first thing the horses do after work is go to touch and sniff other horses through the holes; so strong is the need for social behaviour. I think it’s essential to give the horse more access to social partners. I don’t think stabling is nearly as bad if they can touch each other. Seeing isn’t enough.”

Dr McLean said equestrian architect Luke Jones has designed a number of options for stables that allow physical contact, but can be closed off to isolate horses if needed, and also allow horses to retreat if they want to.

“Bars are normal and people feel comfortable with that. And for many, that’s a happy horse in its beautiful stable that cost a fortune, with ample bedding and all those good things, but whether that makes the horse happy or not is questionable,” he said.

“If our horses are shying, 99% of people think he’s scared of cats or plastic bags, but it may very well be for deeper reasons; that there are big holes in that horse’s basic life, and this is one big hole.”

Dr McLean said we can “do all sorts of things” to make stables better, which need not be expensive.

“I think we can make a big difference to horses’ lives, if we do need to stable them, by giving them more access to other horses, and there are many ways to do this.”

In a session for questions, World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers asked whether there is a danger of anthropomorphism if horses are described as happy or unhappy.

Vet Brad Hill, from Nottingham Vet School, said clients will often judge whether their horses are happy. Often the person spending the most time with a horse knows it the best, and it can be hard if a vet “comes along saying it’s not”.

“Hopefully, with a bit of education like Andrew’s given us, we can take a broader view, and take off the rose-tinted glasses we tend to wear with our own horses,” he said.

Eileen Gillen, manager of World Horse Welfare’s Belwade Farm, spoke of habituation; citing a case of 14 colts who were rescued having always lived in a barn,

“We thought what they needed was to go out and be ponies,” she said. “When we opened the doors to the outside world, the colts didn’t know what to do. The first time they felt rain, they scurried back into the barn. It opened my eyes to see how habituation had been put into those young beings. I tried to educate them to be what we think are horses, but everyone’s opinion matters and there’s always a case that will tell you something different.”

Mr Owers asked whether “keeping a horse in 24/7 is ever OK”, and Ms Gillen said the charity gets calls about this, which “we take seriously”.

“But how one thinks we’d like our own horses to be kept isn’t others’ opinions,” she said, adding that the charity has to work within the law. “Sometimes we have to think about how we can best help situations,” and ask whether the animal has good quality of life, if it is well stimulated and in good condition as its environment may not be outside the law.

“There are always different ways to look after a horse,” she said. “We have to look at all the consequences and what’s best for that horse at that time. Is it compromised? No, move on, but let’s see how else we can help.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Beauty combines with practicality at the world’s most luxurious stable yards. Emily Bevan discovers the options – if you have a blank cheque

If money was no object and you could build the stable yard of your dreams, what would it look like? Would it include indoor walkways, a heated tack room and memory foam flooring, or boast a clock tower and weather vane? We look into some of the world’s most luxurious yards and see what options are available.

A traditional stable block will be easier to pass through planning but American barns are the way forward if you want everything under one roof. These days that doesn’t have to mean just your stables and tack room – indoor schools can be included in this too, like at Cian O’Connor’s Karlswood Stables.

At the Irish showjumper’s palatial pad in Co Meath, each horse has its own shower and heat lamp, the feed room looks like a kitchen – all feed is out of sight, stored in pull-out deep drawers – while the tack room resembles a Premier League changing room. The indoor sand arena, which can be accessed via an undercover walkway from the stables, uses an underground computerised ebb-and-flow water system to regulate the surface while outside there’s an 80x100m sand arena and an immaculately manicured grass jumping field.

Polo player Nacho Figueras laid turf on the roof of his stables near Buenos Aires, creating a grassy field for his horses to graze as well as helping the 180m-long building to blend into the landscape. The building, which houses 44 stables, comprises two blocks with freestanding walls.

A large shallow pool for horses to drink from is one feature of Merricks Stables near Melbourne, Australia, which was designed by Seth Stein Architects and Watson Architecture+Design. The six-stable building, which is built in crescent form, boasts a curved roof and three-metre high rear wall made from rammed earth, and looks out over a semi-circular paddock and manège.

“We wanted it to look natural, sleek and modern so we used Tasmanian oak for the structural frame, and gum tree – which turns silver with age – for the cladding,” explains Seth Stein. “The building’s only one room deep to allow for cross-ventilation, and the wall was designed to cope with the heat of the day and then radiate it back into the building at night. The crescent shape helps to promote a communal feel while protecting the site from the south-westerly wind that comes off the sea.”

Curved ceilings

Other extravagant stable yards include an American barn near Santiago, Chile, that features a skylight along the entire 50m length of the roof. The double-layered opal glass aperture, which widens in the centre of the building, allows natural light to bathe the laminated timber trusses that support the curved ceiling and ensure that artificial light is kept to a minimum.

“The yard employs two or three people full-time and the majority of their work is done inside, so I wanted natural light to be perfect and create a comfortable atmosphere for them and the horses to spend the day,” says architect Matias Zegers, whose father was a professional showjumper.

The equestrian centre – which belongs to a showjumper – comprises 14 stables, washroom, tack room, feed room, groom’s accommodation and outdoor arena. It was designed to blend into its surroundings in the foothills of the Andes, so exterior surfaces are clad in dark-stained wood while metallic tiles cover the roof, allowing it to reflect the mountains and sky and display different colours depending on the time of day.

Jon William Stables worked on a project for an American businessman who wanted to build an American barn at his country house in the UK.

“It was a unique project,” explains managing director Matthew Pike. “At the stables’ entrances we used powder-coated steel frames and aluminium windows to create the sliding doors, while the external doors resembled a traditional two-part door. All the doors and windows were bespoke and the windows were double glazed with lead detailing.”

Arched windows and doors, fully rendered block work and brick detailing give an air of grandeur, as do cast-iron stables.

Colour schemes are another factor that needs careful consideration. “We had a client who wanted the stables painted bright white as he kept black stallions and he liked the picture when they had their heads over the curved doors,” says James Scott, from Scotts of Thrapston. “Powder-coated steel paint is popular these days but if it gets scratched you’ll see the metal work underneath. One of our clients employed someone to go around with nail varnish every day and cover up the scratches!”

“People see their stable yards as an extension of their home so they want to have the same luxurious touches,” explains Sarah Johnson, director at Equine Construction and Planning. “We’ve worked on projects with fully insulated indoor arenas, bespoke stable post lights, handmade saddle and bridle racks, low level lighting along the bottom of the stables, and hand-cut roof tiles. If money’s no object then there’s nothing you can’t have. It’s about combining beauty and practicality.”

“The horses adore the yard”

Hilary Westgarth created the yard of her dreams at her farm near Braintree, Essex, replacing several “ugly concrete buildings” with a courtyard stable block, indoor arena and rehabilitation centre with help from Equine Construction.

“I adore the yard, as do my horses, and Equine Construction were brilliant,” said Hilary, who keeps dressage horses.

Each of the 11 stables has a Victorian sweeping front and a large window at the back. Recycled plastic boards – which don’t mark if kicked by horses – sit between the frames of the interior partitions. The bottom half of the exterior walls is comprised of the same brickwork as the house, while the top half is timber cladding. The pitched roof has clay tiles and is open inside to ensure that it is light and airy.

The composite roof of the 20x60m indoor arena is white underneath to reflect light down to the arena, while sloping grey kickboards sit on concrete plinths to prevent damage when the arena is harrowed. A state-of-the-art sound system and LED lighting have also been installed.

As well as stables, there are also separate wash and tack rooms, and a barn houses extra stables, a Theraplate and a water treadmill.

“I wanted a horse walker but we couldn’t get planning permission to have one near the rest of the yard, so I investigated the benefits of a water treadmill instead. I’m so pleased I made this investment as it’s been brilliant for all my horses, they have strengthened up and improved their performance and I love helping others with their horses,” added Hilary, who now runs an equine therapy centre.

Ref Horse & Hound; 8 October 2020

As the scramble to complete entries and book stables for the 2020 season gathers pace, it is likely social media will again be a platform to buy and sell stables.

While most transactions are amicable, not knowing exactly who is on site and in which stable causes problems for organisers. There have also been cases were stables have been advertised for resale at an inflated price.

Last year, “block-booked” stables for the Northern Ireland Showing Festival (NIF) at Cavan Equestrian Centre were advertised for up to three times the purchase price.

Many NIF classes close early when they have reached capacity, and all 500 on-site stables are snapped up — last year within eight hours of going on sale.

After reports of people buying extra stables to sell on at inflated rates, the committee acted fast.

“We decided we needed a fairer system and have decided to make stables available only after the final schedule is published,” said NIF chairman Paul Smith.

“Hopefully, this system will give everyone an equal opportunity of securing a stable on site for the days they require.

“Cavan will issue stables on a non-transferable basis and those booking will need to provide ID when collecting stable numbers.

“If stables are not needed, they must be sold back to Cavan, which will offer them to the next person on the waiting list.”

As temporary stables begin their trek around the country, Royal Windsor Horse Show, the jewel in the crown for many exhibitors, is usually the first big test for the outdoor circuit.

But although space is restricted to 220 sellable stables, organiser HPower has a tried and trusted method.

“About half our stables are booked for the duration, the other half rotate every few days,” said HPower’s Nick Brooks-Ward.

“We do pick up that stables change hands but think 95% are offered back to us to resell to a waiting list. Exhibitors tend to be honest about their requirements and work with us, and we have experienced very few problems.”

The Great Yorkshire, in July, is another hugely popular show that must accommodate mammoth entries, and its stabling policy is printed in the schedule.

Refunds are only made if stables are cancelled, in writing by a set date, to enable the office to resell it.

Stables bought and sold anywhere other than through Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS) will not be recognised.

Stables are allocated first-come first-served and although YAS cannot guarantee all requests, priority is usually given to those bringing mares and foals or travelling more than four hours.

“There is a refundable deposit system and if we receive a tip-off an exhibitor is selling stables on social media, we contact them to explain the waiting list and they then tend to resell the stable back to us,” explained Amanda Stoddart-West, livestock and entries co-ordinator.

Running four major fixtures, the stable staff at Hickstead have their hands full all summer.

With 100 permanent stables, Hickstead’s extra requirement is 600 to 1,300 temporary stables.

“We have never run out of stables yet,” said Hickstead director Edward Bunn. “Our aim is to run a secure site, but we accept that some book a few stables for more than one person.

“But if lorries arrive with the right number of horses and correct passes, that’s fine.”

Hickstead has monitored social media for wristband and stable sales, but rather than have trading go underground, this year, the Sussex showground has created its own Facebook page.

“Not knowing who is on site and in which stable is a security worry, so although we won’t allow direct selling on this page, anyone can enquire if spare passes/stables are available,” added Mr Bunn.

With space at a premium, Horse of the Year show (HOYS) entrants can initially only book a stable for the nights before and of their classes. Additional requirements are added to a waiting list, and once entries have closed, organiser Grandstand Media works through this list.

As all exhibits must pass a vet check upon arrival and provide booking information, it is considered more difficult to swap or sell stables. Emergency contact cards on each stable have contact details and are monitored.

Permanent show centres have highlighted huge problems when exhibitors sell stables.

Lauren Fogg at Arena UK can have around 450 stables occupied and is just one organiser to face the nightmare of accommodating extra people, ponies and lorries.

Added to that, information on size is important so a 16.2hh jumper is not in a pony box and a stallion is correctly stabled.

Ms Fogg highlights a frequent example when one entry is made for four ponies, with one rider and one lorry. Then instead, four arrive with one pony each, leading to the stable manager and show organiser having to accommodate three extra lorries and hook-ups.

“People need to communicate,” Ms Fogg said. “We run a good waiting list system and for security and health and safety, we need to know where horses and ponies are stabled and who is responsible for them.

“In the past we have contacted the original person who booked the stable only to find they are not on site and have sold the stables.

“We monitor social media and advise people they cannot advertise their stables.”

Aintree International does not allow stables to be sold.

“As we need to know which stable is allocated to whom, we need to take control and are really strict on selling or swapping, and constantly monitor social media,” said centre manager Carly Sage.

“But we feel we are competitor-friendly and do try to sell stables on their behalf; if successful, we do give refunds.”

The junior showjumping circuit is one of the busiest, and although she agrees profiteering does happen, pony rider parent Arlina Mauree communicates regularly with show centres and reports happy bookings and refunds.

“Some shows don’t refund stables, so it works out better if we can swap between friends,” Arlina said. “If we cancel entries, most of us just want to re-coup costs.”

The professional riders are also keen to help each other out.

Showing producer Penny Hollings bought a week’s box at Hickstead and sold the nights she was not there.

“It makes more sense to share as you may end up bedding down a box for just one night. Selling to people you know ensures the stable is kept clean if you need it later that week,” she said.

It seems communication is key and honesty the best policy, but organisers hope exhibitors will check policies to prevent any embarrassment.

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Dressage rider and coach Ruth Edge (pictured riding at home), who formerly competed at five-star level eventing, found her ideal stable yard in Derbyshire. It had huge potential, but was rather ramshackle, so piece by piece, inch by inch, she turned it into her perfect base.

Her top tip for developing a rundown stable yard into somewhere befitting top-class competition horses?

Marry an electrician who can plumb and “do mechanical stuff”.

Looking at photographs of how it looked when she bought it back in February 2012, it is hard to believe how much she has achieved.

If you’ve always dreamt of renovating a rundown yard to create your perfect set-up, take a look at the Edges’ eight top tips:

1. Do your research — how much land do you need? What facilities do you need? Remember it can be hard to buy land close to you once you have bought your base.

2. Plan a budget to the best of your knowledge. The more information you have, the better the idea you will have of the costings.

3. Once you have your budget, increase it by at least a third. This way you will be able to finish your project without having to go back to your lenders, cap in hand.

4. Get three quotes for all major projects and, if you’re not practically minded, get three quotes for minor works as well. This will give you a fair idea of costings.

5. Once you have agreed a price with a contractor or tradesman, try very hard not to change your mind — it will cost you.

6. Take your time. As our project developed, we had better ideas and also the ability to implement them.

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7. Stop every now and then to admire your work so far. Take a big glass of something and have a good look round. It will remind you of what a great place you have. Take pictures of the project as it develops, as it is easy to forget how much it has changed.

8. Try to use local tradesmen, as it’s far easier to call them back to remedy any faults — and you will also be helping your local economy.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, and in the latest issue, don’t miss our arenas special, out now (dated 6 June 2019)

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An equine vet is warning horse owners that building banks against the sides of a stable will not necessarily prevent a horse from getting cast.

Dr Kieran O’Brien, a senior vet at Penbode Equine Vets in Tavistock, Devon said although it is traditional to bank the bedding, “the evidence suggests this will not usually have any beneficial effect other than providing some protection if a horse does become cast”.

“They are almost entirely decorative, and may be making things worse,” warned Dr O’Brien.

Other downsides to banking bedding are that fungi will grow in the undisturbed areas.

These can release spores into the stable air, which are breathed by the horse and might cause airway inflammation, pointed out Dr O’Brien.

The experienced vet and H&H contributor posted his bedding article on the practice’s Facebook page, and thousands of people viewed the post.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response,” said Dr O’Brien.

Some commenters suggested banks were created not to cushion the horse when it gets cast but to encourage the horse to lie in the centre of the stable.

“Video recordings of sleeping horses have shown when they are rising they often make a rolling motion when they stand up. This could explain why they are found cast against the side of the stable in the morning, often in spite of the presence of banks” said Dr O’Brien.

To prevent casting he said the best solution is to fix a wooden batten or rubber anti-cast strip about one metre from the floor around the stable walls.

The horse’s feet will be able to get a grip on the strip, and it can then push itself away from the wall.

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“People will still use banks for cushioning effects but it’s important if you do use them the bedding in the banks is kept fresh so fungi don’t proliferate there,” he said.

The size of the bank is also important.

“The bank won’t stop a horse getting cast unless it is very big and wide, and most are neither,” Dr O’Brien said.

Do you agree, or do you build banks for other reasons? Email hhletters@ti-media.com for a chance to see your views in H&H magazine and win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger (please include your name and address; letters may be edited)

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An ex-racehorse was left fighting for his life after thieves stole his stable and left a large quantity of feed within his reach.

Crooks dismantled and stole a block of three stables, plus a neighbouring field shelter, from a farmer’s field in Lincolnshire overnight on 22 to 23 November.

They corralled the horses and tipped out three full bags of feed into their field, which included a sack of feed that is designed to be soaked prior to feeding.

Owner Sally Bentley’s daughter, Tasha, discovered the scene of destruction when she went to care for the horses on Friday (23 November) morning.

“She thought maybe there had been a plane crash as there was so much debris and rubbish everywhere,” Mrs Bentley told H&H.

“They have taken all the timber and the metal skids [the stables were sitting on] and left nails everywhere — it was a scene of devastation.”

When the pair saw the feed had been tipped within reach of their three ex-racehorses, Mrs Bentley immediately called her vet, Harriet Thorpe from Hormann Equine.

Mrs Bentley’s five-year-old thoroughbred, Magical Lasso (“Michael”) was showing signs of distress and the vet put him on a drip.

Later that afternoon, his condition worsened and the horse was admitted to Oakham Veterinary Hospital as they were concerned he was at risk from potential colic, laminitis and sepsis.

“He has thankfully pulled through,” she said. “He was in a critical condition on Friday and Saturday, then in the early hours of Saturday morning he turned a corner.”

The horse is now recovering at home and Mrs Bentley said she is “eternally grateful” to Harriet and the team at Oakham.

“He is the sweetest, kindest horse,” she said.

“Last Saturday he finished in the top three in the Retraining of Racehorses Heart awards; this Saturday he was fighting for his life.”

The other two horses, 22-year-old retired former racehorse Yann’s and eight-year-old ex-hurdler Solway Storm, were unharmed.

Mrs Bentley said she wants others to be aware of what happened so they can protect their property and for the thieves to understand of the consequences of their actions on innocent animals.

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Farms and outbuildings will be particularly vulnerable when the clocks go back and the evenings get darker and longer, providing

“We worked so hard for this, we are just ordinary people,” she said, adding the support they have received in the wake of the theft has been fantastic.

“I don’t think they ever intended to harm the horses, I think they wanted to distract them.

“I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what we have — I just want everyone to be aware; [stables] are the last thing I would think would be stolen.”

Police have been informed and are making enquiries.

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: “At 8.04am on 23 November we received a report of a theft of a shelter and three stables from a field in North Scarle. It is believed these were taken overnight.

“Anyone with any information should call 101 – [quoting] reference number 71 of 23 November 2018.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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At first glance, it’s difficult to work out whether pictures of showjumper Jamie Gornall’s North Yorkshire yard are computer-generated plans of some kind of equestrian idyll — or if this is real life.

With exposed beams, an island in the tack room and a tree-lined yellow gravel driveway, you could be forgiven for thinking this was some sort of extension of Soho House, the exclusive members’ club whose rustic charm is being emulated in homes across the globe.

Take a look around the mind-blowing set-up (and prepare to be jealous…)

Jamie Gornall's base at Home Farm, Kirk Hammerton is set in 15 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside between the spa town of Harrogate and historic York.

Jamie's time spent in Germany riding with Olympic gold medallist Ludger Beerbaum has shaped and influenced his design of the yard.

The development of the former dairy farm buildings was completed in late summer 2015, with horses moving in shortly after. The attractive buildings seamlessly combine the original features of the historical buildings with the practicalities of modern materials and facilities.

The yard's stable complex includes a large tack room with under-floor heating to store leatherwork and saddles at an optimum temperature, and beautiful, oak shelving to store rugs and equipment.

Fittings here — and in many other areas of the yard — are provided by Dutch company SeBo. An adjoining laundry room takes care of the yard's daily cleaning requirements with a large industrial washer and dryer.

The highlight of Home Farm is perhaps the impressive 35x60m indoor riding arena, with its unwaxed surface on an Andrews Bowen Equaflow system favoured by the Global Champions Tour series. The arena building, constructed by German company Gebr Schütt, has a Glulam beam structure to the roof — a natural alternative to steel or concrete — with a light-and-ventilation ridge. A suite of luxurious viewing rooms, styled and decorated by Averil Blundell Interior Design, allows owners to enjoy watching their horses' progress in comfort.

An equine resident makes the most of the solarium, with decor to rival a human spa.

There is also a large grass arena that was created following consultation with the Sports Turf Research Institute, which provides advice on grass arenas at both Hickstead and Dublin showgrounds. And an all-weather gallop track with a surface by Andrews Bowen encircles the area.

When not in their deluxe stables, all the horses — including stallions — are turned out in individual paddocks with Centaur equine safety fencing.

Work is due to begin on a top-of-the-range horse walker building, complete with a central lunge pen.

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A new “AirBNB” style app for competition horses is set to be rolled out at the beginning of next month.

Staller, which will be available for free download from January 1, will enable horse owners to rent stables at or near competition centres in the US.

The mobile and web-based app is the brainchild of Venezuelans Arturo Ferrando and Pablo Jiminez Godoy, who are based in South Florida.

While the app will initially be trialled in that state, the founders plan to expand it to the whole of the country in the near future.

“We know riders who want to come to Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival but they don’t necessarily want to commit to renting a stall for the entire season,” said Pablo, a tech entrepreneur who grew up riding and showing.

“Thousands of horses from around the world come to Wellington for the 12 weeks of competition. This doesn’t include all the other horses that come to South Florida during the winter, and they need stalls,” he explained.

“This will give the renter options. We have decided to start with this market but the goal will be to expand to include offerings from all the states around the country in the months to come.”

Staller allows the user to search for stabling by location and price and see photos of the facilities on offer — whether they are looking for a stable for the night or longer-term full-board options.

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“We saw that brokers were the only option for renters in the market and we wanted to offer more boarding choices and visibility. Staller aims to give transparency to this market and also facilitate the process of stall rental,” said co-founder Arturo, who is an established show jumper.

The app will be available in English, Spanish, French and Italian and will also offer on online shop for feed, supplements, veterinary care, equipment and supplies.

The website https://stallerapp.com/ is already live.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Sometimes stables are more than just a bed for the night. Julie Harding asks top riders which are the stables they won’t tire of

Mary King

Favourite stabling: the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (pictured, above)

What it’s like: there are 45 boxes in the main quadrangle, plus another stable block, the Dog Kennels, adjacent to Badminton House, so called because the late Duchess of Beaufort kept her whelping pens there. Another block is called the Clock Tower; there are 15 boxes in the Farm Yard, while the Portcullis block is close to Badminton village and is a quiet spot for nervous horses. A total of 92 horses can be stabled during the event.

All the gear: most of the stables have built-in mangers and some have automatic drinkers. The full-sized pitch pine doors still boast their original brass door furniture from the 19th century. Horses are bedded down on Bedmax shavings, unless riders prefer paper bedding, in which case they are asked to bring their own. They can also bring their own mats if required.

Mary on the wow factor: “I’ve been going to Badminton for years, both for the event and for team training, when the riders would stay in the servants’ quarters above the Dog Kennels. You get a real sense of old England and tradition when you are there and the stables are wonderful, from the polished brasses to the spotlessly clean permanent mangers. I also love the old-fashioned bridle hooks and saddle racks outside the boxes. I have invariably stabled my horses in the Dog Kennels — most returning riders generally go back to the same block. King William competed at Badminton most frequently and being a sensitive horse he always knew where he was. Being close to the house, the Dog Kennels is also close to the action, but there are only a handful of boxes in the block meaning fewer people and horses milling around than in, say, the quadrangle.”

Laura Tomlinson

Favourite stabling: Laura’s yard at Eastington House, Ampney St Peter

Badminton final scores

What it’s like: a total of 25 stables, including eight that form a part of the block around the 20x46m indoor school. There is also a tack room and a traditional washroom here — Laura uses buckets and sponges rather than a horse shower. The block was constructed over the shell of the old stables that existed when the Bechtolsheimer family moved in when Laura was 12 months old.

All the gear: the indoor and the 27x60m outdoor school both boast Martin Collins surfaces that the company has adapted to include extra sand to give more “slide”. Each stable has sliding doors made by Loddon, a removable manger (most horses are fed from the floor), a drinker and rubber matting (originally applied as liquid) in each box, plus a 1m high rim of rubber to prevent injury in the event of a horse becoming cast. This was fixed by indispensible handyman Ben Flood. The floors of the passage and wash bay are constructed with non-slip rubber blocks. There is also a Kampmann-Foehn dryer/solarium.

Laura on the wow factor: “The Cotswold stone building and the colourful hanging baskets make a great combination on the outside. Inside I love the yard for its practicality. It is easy to keep clean, tidy and well organised, which was the idea behind it when my father [Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer] designed it three decades ago. I also love riding in the outdoor school, being able to keep an eye on the horses in the front paddocks at the same time.”

Tim Stockdale

Favourite stabling: the Royal Mews

What it’s like: built in the gardens of Buckingham Palace in 1825, and set around a quadrangle, the Royal Mews houses working stables as well as the carriages, coaches and cars used by the Royal Family. Originally there was space for 100 horses, while today it can accommodate more than 70.

Tim on the wow factor: “After a lecture demo a few years ago, my horses spent the night in the stalls at the Mews’ stables. The stalls themselves weren’t massive — perhaps not as big as people think they are — but everything about the place oozed quality and history; you were totally aware that you were in a part of Buckingham Palace. The stables are beautiful and contain old cast-iron mangers that were installed in the year dot. Clearly everything is made to last. One of the horses I took was a youngster and he was a bit overawed by the experience. It turned out to be the highlight of his career for a while.”

Christopher Burton

Favourite stabling: the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

What it’s like: portable stables from LH Woodhouse, sited two fields away from the showground along Barnack Road. Each block has boxes along both long sides with a walkway in between.

All the gear: riders bring their own equipment, but shavings are from Bedmax.

Christopher on the wow factor: “What makes Burghley’s stables special is the camaraderie of being stabled alongside other riders. This year the Aussies were next to each other, while the Kiwis were opposite. At an event like Burghley it helps to be stabled close by as we usually walk the cross-country together. Like a lot of other experienced horses, [2016 Burghley winner] Nobilis 18 is pretty seasoned when it comes to travelling and he’s accustomed to turning up in a new place and settling straight in.”

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Natasha Baker

Favourite stabling: Natasha’s Manor Farm base near Uxbridge

What it’s like: an American-style barn, built by Shufflebottom, with 12½ (the half is to house the miniature, Pilgrim) brick-built, 12x12ft stables running down one side. There is a wash-down area and a Hot Horse Shower, plus a Dri Mee solarium at the far end. The 20x40m outdoor arena has an Andrews Bowen surface taken from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

All the gear: every box has rubber matting bought on the internet by Natasha, topped with Verdo Horse Bedding. Each stable has an automatic water drinker and a manger, plus saddle racks and hooks directly outside to make tacking up easy.

Natasha on the wow factor: “Thanks to clear panels in the roof, the barn is really light, while the wooden slats that partly make up the walls mean it is breezy even on a hot day. Even though we are only 10 minutes from Heathrow Airport, the barn is surrounded by fields. Horses love the place and any unsettled liveries are soon relaxed. We also always have the radio on. Cabral (JP) [her Rio Olympic triple gold medal winner] is stabled at the far end of the row. He loves the peace and quiet of his cosy corner, but he also loves having to walk past all the other horses, saying: ‘Look at me.’”

Spencer Witlon

Favourite stabling: Unicorn Equestrian Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold

What it’s like: thirteen permanent 12x12ft stables that run parallel to the long side of the indoor arena, with 14 new wooden boxes next door. There is a 30x66m indoor and a 100x49m outdoor arena, both with Andrews Bowen surfaces.

All the gear: rubber matting from Fieldguard is in each stable, with shavings from Bedmax. The stables are otherwise empty for ease of cleaning and riders (who often come for team training as the Unicorn is not open to the public) are expected to bring their own equipment to cut down on cross-contamination.

Spencer on the wow factor: “This place opened about 20 years ago, but it is so cleverly designed that it is timeless. It is situated in a beautiful part of the world — the stables all have windows overlooking the Cotswolds — and it has a very special feel. This is due to the amazing team that runs it, headed by Sydney Smith, who has so much passion and energy. It is also kept spotlessly clean. Each stable is power-washed and disinfected after every visit.”

This stabling and arenas special was first published in the 20 October issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“Pink and horses don’t go,” my old instructor used to snarl, as she tore another spangled silk from the crash hat of a trembling child.

She would have met her match in Susie Ross.

The five-year-old from Inverness has just installed her Shetland mare, Peanut, in this shocking pink creation.

Susie’s mother Louise told H&H: “She’d been badgering her dad all summer and he finally broke down.”

Peanut’s “fantasy castle” is a far cry from the sheep pen in which she spent last winter.

“Susie wanted either a four-poster bed or a castle – I had to explain that Peanut couldn’t get into a bed,” said Louise. “Her friends all want one now – it’s become a bit of a problem.”

But there’s no rest for dad Davey. Susie now wants the same treatment for her bedroom.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (29 September, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A horse owner from west Wales has been fined more than £1,000 for failing to move his mobile field shelters in what is thought to be the first conviction of its kind.

And stable industry experts and councils have warned that such mobile structures must be moved several times a year to avoid prosecution (news, 23 June).

Andrew Redman put up two field shelters — both on skids with hooks on either side — when he moved to Carmarthenshire last year. He believed he was within the law.

But a planning enforcement officer later wrote to him stating that he needed planning permission, because the council deemed the structures to be permanent.

Carmarthenshire County Council said Mr Redman was given the opportunity to move the shelters but failed to do so.

He appeared in court on 18 August and was fined £1,230 and given 28 days to move the mobile shelters.

Field shelter expert Paul Machin from Prime Stables said it was the first time he had heard of anyone being found guilty in such a case.

But he warned: “As soon as any ground works are laid then it’s a building, not a mobile piece of equipment.

“Officially you should move them every six weeks or so, but councils generally do not have the resources or time to monitor this.”

A spokesman for Carmarthenshire County Council told H&H the field shelter had been in the same position for more than a year.

He added that Mr Redman had brought material on to the land and created hard standing, which changed the use of the land and required planning permission.

Mr Redman insisted the shelters were on “washed riverstone, not concrete” and that they were “fully movable”.

But the council spokesman added: “Just because it has skids does not make it mobile. If it sits in the same position for several months it forms a degree of permanence. We expect them to be moved at least five or six times a year.”

H&H can reveal that a second horse owner in Carmarthenshire has been served a notice to move their two shelters.

“This one has been in the same place for two years,” the council spokesman added.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (15 September, 2011)

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Timber stable manufacturer Redmire Stables is under new ownership, after going into liquidation earlier this year.

When it ceased trading on 13 May, Redmire owed money to some customers who had paid for goods but not received them (news, 2 June).

Now it has been bought by a new company, Redmire Equestrian Ltd, and is trading from Alcester in Warwickshire.

New boss Martin Potter has six years’ experience in the equestrian building industry.

Gemma Kite, head of sales, said: “We are going to have to build up trust, so for the first six months we will not ask for a deposit on goods ordered.”

She said the firm is also keen to work with customers of the previous owners, although they have no responsibility for money owed.

A spokesman for the liquidators, RSM Tenon, said it was not yet known if customers would get their money back.

Visit: www.redmire.co.uk

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (28 July, 2011)

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Updated: 4 July 2013. This article was correct when published in Horse & Hound magazine on 2 June, 2011 and on HorseandHound.co.uk on 3 June 2011. The company was sold to new owners in July 2011.

Redmire Stables, one of the largest manufacturers of timber stables in the UK, has gone bust.

H&H was unable to confirm the scale of the firm’s debts, but the liquidation has left reader Anne Huntington £14,000 out of pocket — with little prospect of getting her money back.

Hampshire-based Mrs Huntington ordered an American barn from Redmire — selling her lorry in order to fund the project — after using the company in the past.

She feels particularly aggrieved that the Redmire sales team pushed her to part with the £14,000 deposit, which comprised 50% of the total cost of the barn.

She explained: “My husband and I visited the premises to look around at the beginning of March and saw they were selling their ex-display units.

“We were told they were making room for new stock.”

After paying in April, Mrs Huntington heard nothing from the company for weeks.

“We went to the site and everything has been taken away. It’s been completely cleared out,” she said. “This isn’t some last-minute bankruptcy, they’ve known this was coming, but continued to push for our deposit.

“We’ve borrowed money, sold our lorry and had to pay for a base and foundations that we now don’t need.”

H&H understands rumours that the company was struggling had been circulating within the timber industry for some time.

Liquidators RSM Tenon said: “Redmire ceased trading on 13 May and the director subsequently instructed RSM Tenon to place the company into liquidation.

“At present we are unable to confirm the level of a dividend payable [to creditors], if any.”

H&H was unable to speak to any of the Redmire team.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (2 June, 2011)

Related article: Redmire Stables is sold to new owner

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Two Lancashire horses had a lucky escape after a quick-thinking builder saved them from a collapsing stable.

Amy Ward, a 24 year-old assistant manager at an outdoor clothing and accessory shop in Preston, was at work last Thursday (16 September) when her father rang to say that her stable in Longton was collapsing.

Trapped in the stable were Oliver, Amy’s 10 year-old gelding, and Sully, a 16 year-old gelding belonging to 26 year-old student Lindsay Baron.

“I was stuck at work and unable to get there,” said Amy.

“But Lindsay went along and called her friend Chris Gelder, who’s a builder. He borrowed a JCB from the neighbouring farm and used it to prop up the wall and prevent the building collapsing any more.”

The pair also called the fire brigade, who stabilised the building, removed the door from its hinges and led the horses out.

“The firemen said if it hadn’t been for Chris’ actions, the whole lot would have come down,” said Amy.

Oliver and Sully will live out while the stables are repaired.

According to Amy, analysis of the damaged stable showed the cause of the collapse to be: “Sully rubbing his bum against the wall.”

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Four trapped horses were rescued from a stable fire in Berkshire on Monday night (21 June)

Firefighters from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and a pump from Hampshire attended the incident at Paices Hill, Aldermaston, at just after 11pm.

One horse suffered burns to its quarters but is expected to recover well.

Martin Vile of the fire service, said: “All of our operational crews have now received animal rescue training and six RBFRS officers have been trained in advanced techniques, including animal handling skills.

“An animal rescue officer is sent to every incident involving large animals and we carry a range of equipment including head collars and lead ropes, which were used at this incident to lead the horses to safety. “

He said the service was about to buy more large animal rescue kit, including a quick-release lifting bar, harnesses, strops and a mud lance, to make animal rescues not only more effective but safer for crews.

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Stable manufacturers Levade Systems Ltd has vowed to donate 1% of all new business until the end of the year to the BBC Children In Need appeal.

Managing director of Sussex-based Levade, Mark Thompson, said: “This is a busy time of year for us so I hope we can help to make a difference to some of those truly in need.

“We have an enviable reputation in the market. Customers feel confident purchasing a new Levade stable complex, mobile shelter or bespoke timber building, so it should add to the feel-good factor knowing they have also made a substantial contribution to a cause that touches us all.”

BBC Children In Need takes place on Friday 20 November this year.

If you would like to help Levade Systems help Children In Need, contact Mark on 01342 824117 or email mark@levadesystems.co.uk

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A Sussex stud owner claims he has been forced to sell Chailey Stud in East Sussex to pay for his legal battle with West Midlands stable manufacturer Monarch Equestrian.

Carl Evans, 34, has spent more than £100,000 in legal costs in a dispute over what he claims is the poor quality of workmanship on 30 looseboxes he bought from Monarch Equestrian of Willenhall in 2004.

Mr Evans says he paid £28,000 for the looseboxes in 2004, but claims the workmanship was inferior. He said he tried to get Monarch to acknowledge this and reimburse him.

The firm, established 40 years ago and billed on its website as “a world-renowned company with customers around the globe”, strongly disputes his allegations.

Mr Evans said: “I’ve sold the stud to fund this case. I didn’t want to go to court. I was trying to talk to Monarch Equestrian for a year and a half to get them to honour their guarantees before taking legal advice.”

Mr Evans owned the 15-acre Chailey Stud for seven years.

The case was due to be heard at Poole County Court, Dorset, in May, but has been postponed until next year to allow Mr Evans time to submit new testimony from a metal expert and an expert in horsemanship.

Monarch Equestrian manufactures a range of stabling, horse exercisers and other products.

A spokesman for Monarch Equestrian said: “Those allegations are strenuously denied. The matter goes to trial next year. It is inappropriate to comment any further during these proceedings.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (17 July, ’08)

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Thousands of horse-owners are not paying the correct council tax because of their failure to disclose the use of any equestrian property or facilities to their local councils.

According to the Inland Revenue, many owners could be liable for higher council tax bills or should be paying non-domestic rates for the use of stables on their land.

A spokesman for the Inland Revenue’s valuation office said all stable blocks attract some sort of rateable value — be it domestic or business — but many horse-owners escape payment because the revenue is not aware their stables exist.

His comments come after three Lancastrian horse-owners were hit with a bill for £700 in non-domestic rates.

The amount has now been reduced to £160 each, to be paid by Sharon Monks, Jason Lee and Sandra Parker, but the trio feel they have been charged unfairly.

“The stables’ owner doesn’t take any money from us, but we keep the area tidy for him,” said Mrs Monks. “I really can’t see why we should be paying business rates.”

The friends keep their horses for free in a friend’s stables which have no electricity, water or waste collection.

They were surprised when in December Mr Lee received a bill for £700 from Lancaster City Council, as assessed by the Inland Revenue’s valuation office.

Local councils collect non-domestic rates for the Inland Revenue.

“We called the council to explain that we are not a business and that three of us keep horses here, but they said we still have to pay the business charge,” said Mrs Monks.

“There was a very small riding school here a couple of years ago but they left and, when I was looking for a stable, the owner of the land said we could use the stables, which are at the front of his house.”

A spokesman for the council said it was looking into the case.

But the Inland Revenue told H&H that stables can only be considered as being in domestic use if they are only used by the immediate members of the dwelling to which the stables are attached, and that is why the friends have been charged.

He also said there were many households around the country that are not paying any tax on their stables.

“We are aware that there are a lot of people with stables who are not paying any rates for them, but we are not actively pursuing them unless they come to our notice,” he said. “Each case is different and is taken on a case by case basis.”

Chris Doran of the British Horse Society’s (BHS) approvals office said that taxation of domestic stables is quite a grey area and suggested that BHS members ring the society for advice based on their personal circumstances.

“Probably there are a lot of people who are not aware that they should be paying rates on their stable block, but we really do not want to open a can of worms,” she said.

“Members can get free advice from our taxation expert or contact the Inland Revenue’s valuation office direct.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (6 March, ’08)

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Schedules for Royal Windsor Horse Show (10-13 May 2007) are now available. The show, which takes place in the private gardens and parkland of Windsor Castle, offers top show jumping and showing classes, as well as the Land Rover Carriage Driving Grand Prix.

New for 2007 will be Britain’s only outdoor puissance on Saturday evening (12 May) and a dressage grand prix freestyle on Friday evening (11 May).

The organisers of Royal Windsor have endeavoured to make competitors’ lives easier at this year’s show. The stables have been moved closer to the show rings. “It will be quicker and slicker,” said a spokesperson for the show. Both overnight and day boxes will occupy a site behind the Frogmore Ring.

Meanwhile the funfair will be situated further from the show rings than in previous years to ensure horses are not distracted by the lights and noise.

In addition to the vast array of show jumping, showing and driving, spectators will enjoy top class polo and dressage displays. The Food and Drink Festival is back for a second year and there will be more than 200 shops, restaurants and bars.

“The show, after two years, seems to have really found its true home in the private grounds of Windsor Castle,” said show director, Simon Brooks-Ward. “We’ve received so much positive feedback and continue to strive to make changes that will enhance the experience for both competitors and visitors.”

Entries close on 23 March. Schedules and entry forms can be downloaded from the website at www.rwhs.co.uk

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Q: I would like to have an outbuilding on my property converted into a stable block for our family’s six horses. Do I need planning permission, and what do I need to consider with regard to the building itself?

A: You need to make a planning application, and can do so via your Local Planning Authority’s (LPA) website.

The good news is that the conversion of an appropriate existing building will generally be preferred by planning officers to “new build” on greenfield sites, especially in Green Belts or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, according to planning expert Judith Norris.

“The LPA may ask for proof that the building is capable of conversion in terms of its structural condition, and this can be dealt with by way of a surveyor’s or structural engineer’s report.

“The planning application will need to deal with soft and hard landscaping [including tracks into the site], issues of highway access and manure storage. Interceptors are increasingly deemed necessary to prevent run-off into watercourses. And more onerous design considerations have to be met if the buildings are listed or are close to listed buildings,” she adds.

With regard to the building, Barbara Fill of Monarch Equestrian says: “All stables require good light and ventilation, sufficient space for the size of horses to be housed, sound floors, if possible with only a slight fall to a drain, and a safe way in and out, but most of all they must be a robust, safe design.

“Often with existing buildings one or more of the above can be a challenge. If floors are poor or levels very uneven, a new floor may be required, although there are ways round this extra expense, so do seek expert advice before undertaking the work. Any new concrete laid must be non-slip and should take into account existing drains.

“Other considerations are the height of the roof and beams, especially if you are changing the floor. Low ceilings can create poor ventilation but, as long as there is sufficient headroom for the horses, a window or top door can sometimes be put in the back of the stable to improve the airflow. This will also provide additional natural light.

“Made-to-measure stables can help to make the best use of space and take into account levels on your floor, reducing the possibility of big gaps under stables. Sliding doors can also be useful if space is limited.”

To purchase six 12ft x12ft internal stables in hardwood, with half-grilled divisions and bottom swinging doors, would cost in the region of £3,900 plus VAT from Monarch (fitting is not included).

• Judith Norris Ltd (tel: 01580 201888) www.judithnorris.co.uk
• Monarch Equestrian (tel: 01902 605566) www.monarch-equestrian.co.uk

This feature was first published in Horse & Hound

Susan McBane is a woman with a mission. The author of 100 Ways to Improve Your Horse’s Schooling is determined to make people aware that horses suffer from thermal discomfort.

“People seem to assume horses will be fine in summer and only worry about winter,” she says. “But horses overheat easily.”

Common sense — riding early in the morning or late in the evening, for example — goes a long way to prevent overheating problems, but property buyers should consider purchasing or setting up a summer-proof yard.

The single most important way to counter the impact of hot weather is to give horses free access to clean, fresh water. Like humans, horses control their temperature through sweating. However, this can lead to dehydration if the water and minerals aren’t promptly replenished.

The safest solution is to install plenty of troughs and keep them full, as shallow water is sometimes hard to reach for smaller horses or ponies. Choosing self-filling troughs is the easiest, though costliest, option, as long as owners ensure the water is clean and that horses are drinking it.

A number of experts also advocate turning horses out in the evening and keeping them stabled in the day during summer, to minimise exposure to blazing sun and flies. This only works if the stables are cool and well ventilated, otherwise they can quickly become furnace-like.

However, as Zoe Napier of agent Fenn Wright, says: “Unless a buyer views on a very hot day, it is virtually impossible to ascertain how hot or cool the stabling can be.”

The only way to figure it out is to look for some useful pointers. “Ideally, you’d want the stables made of brick or stone, but this is expensive,” says McBane. “So at least insulate the roof.” A high roof, which allows airflow, and good ventilation also help keep stables cool.

McBane is a fan of cross-ventilation. Ideally, she prefers a ridge roof ventilator with louvre windows, but this can be hard to find. An alternative is to have openings in the stables’ back walls to allow air to circulate. If you would rather build your own stables than buy them ready made, be aware that those with rooflines of more than 4m total height will “almost certainly require planning permission, even if within the domestic curtilage and always if on paddock or grazing land areas”, according to Napier.

No matter what time of day you would rather turn your horses out, make sure you have a sturdy field shelter, or at least a cluster of trees where animals can seek refuge from the heat.

If your horses are primarily grass-fed, it is also crucial to look for a home with well laid out land that will simplify pasture management, as fields tend to dry out during summer — especially now water shortages across much of Britain may lead to compulsory metering or hosepipe bans.

“Get drought-resistant species of grass and keep up paddock care, picking up droppings and rotating paddocks, because this allows grass to regenerate and grow,” says McBane.

This means having 1-1½ acres per horse, split into smaller enclosures. In some cases, however, the nature of the ground fights against us. While sandy loam soil makes the best summer pasture, clay bakes hard and preferably should be avoided.

If you are planning to buy in areas such as parts of Dorset or the Weald, avoiding clay is geologically impossible. In that case, you should either buy a property with an all-weather manège or install one where your horse can mooch about during the summer months to reduce risks of concussion.

“I don’t see anything wrong with turning horses out on a manège with a haynet,” says McBane. “Or you could create a playpen with a sandy surface. All you need is two horses, food and water, and they’re fine.”

This property feature was first published in Horse & Hound (11 April 06)

1, Always check if planning permission is required. Generally, it depends whether the proposed stable is “within the confines of a domestic dwelling” — including your garden — or is to be sited on agricultural land.

2, If you have a choice about the siting of a stable block, your main consideration must be the prevailing wind. The doors should face away from this to prevent rain, sleet and snow from being blown in.

3, Many books say that the ideal position is facing south, but the strong sun in summer can make the stables very hot, especially if they are of wooden construction.

4, East-facing is a popular compromise because the stables get the morning sun in winter and most of Britain’s strongest rain-bearing winds come from the west. North facing stables are exceptionally cold in winter and get very little sun, which makes drying floors nearly impossible.

5, Tradition states that drains are placed to the rear of the stable, but a drain at the front is more practical. You also need to plan a route for the effluent, so make sure that the floor runs on a gentle downward slope towards the drain.

6, Ideally you want the muck heap close enough to the stable to minimise the chore of pushing a barrow through deep snow in the winter but far enough away not to be a fire hazard.

7, If possible plan your stables with a view to possible expansion in the future. You may think that you only need a couple of boxes now, but circumstances change and careless initial siting could scupper future plans.

8, Plan the site so that you have easy access to your grazing. For working owners, who have to do their horses in the dark, it helps if the yard entrance/exit leads directly into the field.

9, It is a good idea to have a fenced and gated-off area no less than 9ft in front of the stables to prevent horses at grass from interfering with their stabled companions.

10, Take account of the easy availability of electricity and water when costing the project. It can be surprisingly expensive, so get a quotation from your local electricity and water companies first.

11, Weigh up the pros and cons of different materials for the stables. Supplied and erected wooden stables are the cheapest option and offer a good medium-term solution, but remember that they are hot in summer and cold in winter

12, Always go to a reputable supplier who can give you names and addresses of former customers. You can then ring them, or arrange a visit, to find out how good the service was.

13, The best supplier may not be the cheapest and do check what is included in the original price. Some firms include such things as rag bolts — which secure the wooden structure to the base — but others charge extra for them and this can become expensive. Guttering and all roofing materials should be included.

14, Erection of the stable is usually included in the price, but delivery can be a surprise “extra”. If you live near the supplier, it can be worth trying to negotiate a reduced charge.

15, You will not save much by collecting and erecting the stables yourself. Professional suppliers will do the job faster and if there were a problem later, you would have grounds for a complaint.

16, You must have the base ready well before delivery. Ready-mixed concrete works out almost as cheap as mixing it yourself — and is a lot less work. However, don’t forget that you will need to arrange some help to spread and level the concrete; it isn’t a one-man job.

17, You will also need a single course of brickwork, on which the stables sit, laid down. You should get a detailed drawing or plan from the supplier so that the bricks are laid in the correct position. Check and double check all measurements carefully. Remember, if you make a mistake, it cannot be rectified on the day the stables are erected because the mortar must have at least three days to set.

18, Make sure that there is good access to the site for the supplier’s lorry. This could mean moving other vehicles or even dismantling fencing. Make your contingency plans in plenty of time and ask the supplier what size and type of lorry he uses.

19, Make sure that an electricity supply is available or tell the supplier that he will need to provide a generator.

20, On the day the stables are erected, it is better to keep out of the way! No matter how much you might want to help, the suppliers work more effectively to their own routine. The best, and most effective thing you can do is give them plenty of cups of tea or coffee.

• The information which forms this feature was first published in Horse & Hound

With the arrival of autumn, and winter on the horizon, the majority of horses will be spending more time in their stables, which can lead to problems such as RAO, capped hocks and thrush. However, in certain cases, these conditions can be avoided by simply changing your type of horse bedding.

Capped hocks and elbows

If a horse has insufficient bedding in his stable, he may suffer from capped hocks and elbows, caused by bruising over the point of the hock or elbow joint, both of which contain lubricating joint fluid.

In serious cases, the joints can become very swollen and sore, and the horse may also be lame. A combination of rubber matting and a covering of additional bedding such as straw or paper usually helps to alleviate the problem.

Colic

Horses who eat their bedding through hunger or boredom may become prone to colic. A common cause of bedding-related colic is a horse eating dry bedding, which then expands in the stomach causing discomfort, inflammation and possibly a blockage. Choosing a non-palatable alternative such as cardboard or shavings should deter the horse from nibbling his bed.

Getting cast

Horses who enjoy rolling may become cast. This can cause injury and swelling to joints and limbs, as well as potential back damage. High banks and a thick layer of light bedding such as straw will go some way to alleviate injury if your horse does become cast.

RAO

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), formerly known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a common respiratory disease similar to asthma in humans. In most cases, RAO is caused by hypersensitivity to mould spores in the horse’s environment. It is a management issue. The horse’s respiratory tract responds to allergy-inducing particles with a narrowing of the airways and reduced breathing capacity. Many horses with RAO are kept outdoors, while stabled patients are commonly given rubber flooring and/or dust-extracted bedding to reduce spores.

Urticaria

Some forms of the skin irritation urticaria can be caused by an allergy to bedding or mould, which results in the appearance of rashes or bumps on the horse’s body. It is usually a temporary condition, alleviated when the offending bedding is removed and the stable cleaned and disinfected to eradicate mould spores.

Slipping

Shod horses with smooth stable floors and a minimal amount of bedding may be prone to slipping in the stable, resulting in musculoskeletal trauma or strain. Rubber matting is an ideal solution to provide grip for the horse when getting up or lying down, especially if a covering of additional bedding is provided on top.

Stiffness and injury

Some horses with stiff joints, or those with limited mobility through injury, may suit certain types of bedding. For example, rubber matting may not provide enough comfort for the horse who is immobilised for long periods, while some types of bedding can become tangled around limbs or make dressings or wounds messy and unhygienic. Light, clean types of bedding, such as chopped cardboard, are good choices for equine patients.

Thrush

Horses suffering from conditions of the foot, such as thrush, need clean, dry stable bedding in order for the foot to dry out and recover. With this in mind, bedding such as hemp or wood fibre, both of which drain down to the base leaving a dry top layer, may be good options.