Stable Management Flashcards
what are the main reasons to stable a horse?
protection from various dangers / weathers
to ease management issues and demands
where have horses evolved to live?
outdoors
how do horses find shelter?
using their coat
using the herd
using the landscape
what are the difficulties associated with turnout of horses?
risk of injury
mud - skin issues, harder to clean, poaching fields
according to studies how long do horses in the UK spend on average in the stable?
22 hours
what impacts can stable design have on horse health and welfare?
potential for trauma from stable furniture
feed and bedding type can impact resp
stereotypies
what is the usual size of a stall?
1.7m by 3.3m
what is the BHS minimum stable size recommendation for horses?
12ftx12ft
what is the BHS minimum stable size recommendation for ponies?
10ft x 10ft
what is the BHS minimum stable size recommendation for foaling boxes?
14ft x 14ft
what must there be sufficient space in the stable for a horse to do?
turn freely
what may happen if the stable is too small?
injuries
risk of being cast increases
what is the BHS minimum stable size recommendation for donkeys?
10ft x 10ft
what companions should donkeys be kept with?
at least in pairs
why do donkeys require covered space?
desert animals who do not have waterproof coats
what space is needed for 2 average sized donkeys?
9 sq metres of covered space
describe ideal positioning of the stable block
upwind or avoiding dust sources (e.g. grain stores/muck heap)
trees can provide shelter but be aware of leaves
south facing for sunlight in winter
shelter from prevailing wind
avoid steep slopes
what is the ideal doorway width for stables?
1.2m by 2.4m
what is the benefit of half doors on stables?
ventilation
how can the stable be drained?
slight slope to floor
drainage grooves
keep drains clear
where should hay nets be positioned?
in air outflow not inflow to reduce dust
why should horses be fed from the floor?
stimulation of respiratory tract mucous drainage
pollens and dusts are left at floor level while horse lifts his head to chew
what is the benefit of sunlight in stabling?
provides UV light which can help kill bacteria, viruses and fungi
why may lighting be manipulated to increase daylight hours?
to bring mares into oestrus early in the season