What are the advantages and disadvantages of horse loose boxes?

Question

And also what are the effects that different stable designs and layout have on horse's welfare and behaviour?

Its just i'm doing an assignment and can't find any information on the internet.

The 3 stables and yards i have chosen are:

dealers yard with american barn

riding school with stalls and no stables

livery yard with loose boxes in an open ended square shape.



This assignment has to be handed in tomorrow and i'm completely stuck on these 2 bits

Answer 1

Just to clarify this for some other readers:

An 'American barn' style consists of rows of loose boxes facing each other covered by a central roof separated by an alleyway.

Stalls, or standing stalls, are rectangular stalls big enough for a horse to stand in comfortably but not big enough to roll or walk around in. Horses have to be tied constantly.

Loose boxes in shed rows are the most common in the UK and consist of three or four rows that face each other and open up into a central courtyard, which is not covered.



Onto the pros and cons now.

American Barn Pros:

- Horses are able to see each other from the aisle and sometimes between stall walls, which makes them more comfortable as they can see other horses.

- They are able to move about and have the freedom to roll, lie down, and have separate eating and defecating areas.

- Since stalls are covered, horses stay warmer in winter and cleaner year-round.

- Stalls can easily be converted into double stalls for breeding or recuperation.



American Barn Cons:

- Lack of air circulation. Horses have very sensitive respiratory systems and the enclosed space may attribute to breathing problems.

- Horses often become bored in their stalls when not able to see the outside world, often contributing to stress-caused vices including weaving, stall-kicking, cribbing, wood chewing, windsucking, blanket ripping, biting, head tossing, self-mulitation, and becomming cast (not a vice but a bad habit).



Standing Stalls Pros:

- Little chance of becomming cast in the enclosed space.

- Small size of stalls is cheaper to build and maintain.



Standing Stalls Cons:

- When being tied, many horses are reluctant to lie down. This can lead to fatigue.

- Lack of movement may result in fluids pooling in the legs, causing many foot-related problems.

- Lack of movement may mean horse has to stand in wet bedding for long periods of time, which is a breeding ground for thrush, abscesses, and other foot problems.



Loose boxes Pros:

- Horses can follow their biological clock better as they can see the sun, weather, etc.

- Fresh air promotes healthy respriatory system.

- Horses can see eachother, leading to reduced stress than in a tie-stall situation.



Loose boxes Cons:

- Close confinement to other horses may lead to conflict and fighting.

- Driving rain or snow increases chance of horses catching a chill or sickness.

- Airborne diseases are quickly spread in the wind if one horse is sick.



Hope that helps. Good luck with your assignment :)

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

1. The American style barn has the advantage of being under one roof. The horses can see what is going on. Disadvantage, you cannot isolate in the same barn should the needs arrive. Unless well ventilated can get stuffy in hot weather. Disease can spread more readily due to the close contact. 2. Stalls, easier to clean out. Disadvantage. The horses cannot move around much due to being tied - which should be to a chock, a heavy ball of wood to keep the rope tight but allow the horse to lay down. 3. Yard style. Horses can see what is going on, better fresh air access. Disadvantages, weather when adverse to the grooms!

Answer 4

Stalls - less space needed. Ease of mucking out, one end only. Horses can be kept warm and dry, sheltered from the elements.

Disadvantages. Horses have to be tied up at all times. No contact with the "outside world", horse cannot see what is going on on the yard. Hay and water generally close together and hay will drop in to waterers or buckets. Horse cannot move around or lie down to rest. Hard on the legs.



Stables - loose boxes. Horse able to lie down and move around at will, look out onto the yard, hay and water can be kept separate corners, usually bedded, free flowing air. Mirrors and stable toys can help reduce boredom and stress. Airy and light.

Disadvantages. Boredom. If a horse tends to bite other horses or humans when they pass, they will need a grill which though they can see out makes them imprisoned. Exposed to the elements when the horse is looking out. Mucking out can be laborious.

American barn - all the advantages of the loose box, but also that the horses are all kept under cover and therefore easier to keep tidier. And warmer.

Disadvantages. Stale air, horses can pick up diseases easier and horses not able to look out onto yard and may feel threatened by passing horses. Artificial light or darkness.

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Answer 6

advantages:

-horses can 'talk' to each other and be sociable

-good for bad weather



disadvantages:

-ventilation

-fire hazard



hope i helped x