Stall and Stable s4

STALL AND STABLE – B Instructor’s Guide

Part I -- Horses at Pasture Purpose 1. Know types of shelters for horse at pasture 2. Watering methods for horse at pasture 3. Factors influencing acreage requirements for horse at pasture Teaching Suggestions 1. Review materials 2. Have students try to think of advantages disadvantages for watering systems.

Shelters for horse at pasture (USC 166) Types of shelter 1. Run-in-shed: three sided 2. Stall 3. Natural shelter: trees or windbreak such as large hedge 4. Part of barn open to horse

Shelter  shelter from wind, rain, sun and flies Considerations  back of shelter should be to prevailing wind  located so horse cannot get trapped between it and fence  there must be enough room to safely accommodate all the horses in the pasture  doors must be wide enough to prevent crowding (completely open front or two doors prevents horses from becoming trapped  clean all shelters regularly.

Watering At Pasture (USC 166, HN 143, MH 154) Advantages Disadvantages Field Troughs  quality is controlled (clean and  may collect leaves fresh)  require frequent cleaning if algae  water is always present growth present (summer)  no access problems (compared to  if not on well drained soil may get a stream banks) muddy spot around  requires ice to be broken in winter

Rivers, streams  does not require installation  may be access issues (steep banks) and ponds  does not require refilling/cleaning  water may become muddied if animal  when water is flowing always enters it fresh  may dry up or become stagnant in some seasons  may be polluted from industry of agriculture  may have sand on the bottom (ingested  sand colic

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 1 Pasture Requirements for Horse at Pasture Factors affecting 1. Quality of the grazing quantity of pasture 2. Time of year required 3. Weather and the state of the ground (soil) 4. What other stock is carried MH 5. Supplementary feeding NZ2 194 6. The fences 7. Drainage of land

Part II -- Stall Features Purpose 1. Discuss stall features (electrical, doors, windows, feeding, watering), advantages/disadvantages and safety considerations Teaching Suggestions 1. Students should already be familiar with all of this material and have practical experience. 2. Use material below to guide discussion and have them fill in table as much as possible.

Electrical Considerations 1. Location (out of reach and maximum benefit of light) MH 132 2. Type (electrocution/shatter proof) HN 19 3. Installation (certified electrician, inspected and properly loaded)

Components a. Lights: high, cages, explosion proof b. Switches: outside, no electrocution c. Wiring: buried/covered, inspected and out of reach

Notes  regular inspections  circuits not overloaded  unplug all things not in use  avoid hotplates and heaters Doors 1. Size: 8’x4’ (7’ in MH) 2. Hinged: HN 15  hinged to swing outward MH 128  rollers from top (to avoid clogging with bedding) with a guard to prevent bottom of door being pushed out 3. Type:  Full door: horse cannot look out, no light, no risk of jumping out  half doors (top and bottom open separately). Top may be fit with bars (grilles) to prevent biting passers-by and discourage weaving. Top half of door must be secured when open. Bottom high enough that horse won’t jump over -- minimum 4’ (MH). 4. Latches: strong and easily turned. Large handles that are flush with the door to reduce risk of injury. Designed so horse cannot open them. Loose boxes should have two latches: one at top and one at bottom (foot operated for bottom if desired). Windows 1. Location: lower edge 8’ from floor 2. Type: unbreakable (plexiglass) and hinged at the lower border or centre so they HN 16 open with an inward slant (reduce draft). MH 131 3. Installation: protected by iron bars on the inside. Fastened by a means that does not have a rope or projection. A window per stall is preferred.

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 2 Feeding Hay feeder/rack  ideally set at height where horse cannot become entangled but dust will not get in the eyes (USC 156) MH 133  those above eye level disapproved of as unnatural height to feed and risk of HN 18 getting dust, hay or seed in eyes. Fitted at about same height as haynet may be satisfactory.  may feed hay on the ground Manger  in front corner away from door (MH)  boxed in beneath to prevent injury (MH) HN 18  approximately same height as chest (MH) MH 133  shallow enough to prevent getting jaw caught but deep enough that feed does not fall out  narrower at base than top to reduce risk of banging knees (HNO)  broad and shallow mangers better for greedy horses as they can’t reach in deeply and get large mouthfuls (HN)  rim broad enough to prevent horse seizing it in his teeth (discourage cribbing) (HN)  be sure the horse cannot become entangled in or beneath a fixed manger (HN) Hay net  ring at eye level (so dust does not fall in eyes) and tied so the horse cannot become entangled (MH suggests using tying ring at 5’) MH 132  To tie (the net will hang lower when empty): Pull cord tight at top. Pass cord HN 18 through wall ring then through a string of the haynet near the bottom. Pull haynet up as high as it will go and secure with a quick release knot

Watering Water bucket  attached to hinged ring by a spring clip at height of 4’  away from hay (hay gets in water) and door (may get knocked over) but where MH 133, 153 possible visible from door  rubber, plastic or polythene are lightweight, noiseless and will not cause injury to horse  may need to buckets to keep a constant supply of water Automatic waterer  site away from hay rack (hay can cause them to become clogged)  inspect and clean every day MH 133  gravity fed or lever operated are preferred by some (MH) HN 18

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 3 Part III – Stable Features Purpose 1. Know what ventilation is, why it is required and means of providing it 2. Characteristics of good flooring 3. Characteristics of good roofing 4. Providing drainage for the stable Teaching Suggestions 1. Be sure students have a clear understanding of what each new term means and why it is important to know anything about it. This will help them remember the important facts

Ventilation USAB 378-380 unless otherwise indicated Ventilation circulation of fresh air Purpose of 1. providing fresh air ventilation 2. removing excess moisture, ammonia fumes and odors 3. preventing condensation of moisture in cold weather Ammonia Fumes produced from manure, urine and soiled bedding

1. pollute air 2. damage eyes 3. damage respiratory system 4. causes tack, paint and wood to deteriorate (USAB – 385) Moisture 2 gallons of moisture are released by horse daily as he breathes

 in cold weather it freezes or drips  dampness  growth of fungus/bacteria, aggravates arthritis/stiffness and contributes to respiratory ailments “Air Space Per cubic footage of air within the stable / # animals in the stable Head”:  minimum of 1,600 cubic feet per horse  less air space  need to change air more often  higher speed of air movement  increased risk of draught  increased risk of chill  where the stable must be closed in winter, allowing more air space per head will allow for clean air with less air movement (HN 13) Draught /draft  Definition: a current of air passing through at such a pace that it produces a feeling of cold when it strikes the skin (involves moving air)  Effect: drives blood from warm skin into internal organs producing chill and shivering  the hotter the horse when it experiences a draught the greater the risk of chill Means of 1. Windows Ventilation 2. Doors 3. Louvers 4. Exhaust Fans 5. Stall Fans 6. Ventilating Cowls and Tubes (HN 14) Temperature  providing good ventilation will often result in air temperature within the stable being nearly the same as air temperature outside  the only temperature changes liable to result in sickness are chills from standing in draught when horse is heated and tired  use extra food and clothing to maintain horse’s body condition if necessary

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 4 Circulation of air  fresh air enters through doors and windows  foul air (which is warmer) rises and exits through a vent at a higher point in the stable  high ceilings, open stall partitions (e.g. open gridwork), stall gates (e.g., screens or guards) and windows and doors placed for cross ventilation contribute to free flow of air

Drainage USAB – 380 unless otherwise indicated Drainage movement of moisture: out of stalls and/or out of stable

 stables and manure piles must be well drained but must not where runoff can contaminate groundwater or streams  idea is to move the water away from the site before it becomes muddy of unsanitary Areas requiring  stable site good drainage  manure pile  under eaves and gutters (water must be moved away from foundation of building)  stalls  riding areas and paddocks  near taps or washing areas Poor drainage  constant dampness results in:  mud  possible flooding  unhealthy conditions for horse  odors  increased fly population Factors affecting 1. location drainage 2. soil: water moves more freely through gravel and coarse sand than through fine materials like clay 3. terrain 4. rainfall and snow load 5. design 6. engineering 7. maintenance

Stall drainage  dig floor down and fill with 24” layer of rocks (1 ½ to 2 “ diameter), then a 12 layer of ¾” crushed stone, top with 6” layer of clay, levelled and well tamped down (or pea gravel) (may put rubber mat on top)  fill and level stall floor with 6” layer of “blue stone,” decomposed limestone or road base  keep softer floors level by putting a stall floor grid preventing horse from digging holes  hard-surfaced floors: slight slant to the floor from front to a drain that leads to gutter outside the outside wall or slant towards a drain in center of stall Arenas/paddocks  may need drainage ditches or French drain (ditch filled with crushed rock)

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 5 Roofing and Flooring Roofing 1. Maintain equable temperature in both hot and cold weather 2. Durable HN 10 3. Noisless 4. Non-inflammable Flooring 1. Laid on a solid foundation 2. Non-slippery HN 11 3. Smooth, durable and not feel cold 4. Slope from front to rear of stall or loosebox  just enough to allow drainage

Part IV -- Bedding and Manure Purpose 1. Know the reasons bedding is needed 2. Know the characteristics of good bedding 3. Know different beddings, advantages/disadvantages and tools for handling 4. Discuss principles of manure management including storage and disposal 5. Know tools that are used when handling manure/bedding Teaching Suggestions 1. Bedding materials should be a review  move quickly through this part if students are able to fill in table quickly as you ask questions.

Bedding USC – 158-160 unless otherwise indicated Purposes of 1. prevent injury and encourage horse to lie down Bedding 2. provide a soft standing surface 3. provide warmth and keep out drafts HN 26 4. encourage horse to stale, provide absorption and act as deoderant NZ2 –223 5. assist in keeping horse clean MH 134 Properties of Good 1. Dry Bedding 2. Soft 3. Absorbent of fluids and gases HN - 27 4. Clean in use 5. Easily obtainable 6. In good condition 7. Good conductor of heat 8. Not injurious if eaten 9. Light in color for good appearance 10. Readily dispoable Bedding Types 1. Drainage (e.g., straw)  urine drains through bedding to bottom of stall  use over stall floors with good drainage (clay or stone dust floors) 2. Absorbent (e.g., shavings, sawdust, shredded paper, peat moss) )  absorbs the moisture (moisture is removed with the bedding)  use over any stall floor  cover drains when using absorbent bedding as they may clog the drain resulting in inadequate moisture removal when drainage bedding is used

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 6 Choosing a 1. Select between drainage or absorbent based on floor type (see above) Bedding 2. what is available (e.g.., don’t chose shredded paper if you can’t be easily obtained) 3. what you plan on doing with your manure pile  if you plan on selling/giving it away, don’t use a type of bedding that no one in your community will take. You want to get rid of that manure pile eventually  if you are planning on composting or spreading the manure on fields, use a bedding type that breaks down quickly 4. cost (USPC 3 - 326)  estimate the amount of bedding you use weekly/monthly/annually  determine how much bedding you can store at one time (it is often cheaper to but larger quantities)  contact different suppliers to determine cost and transport cost for various beddings

Specific Bedding Materials Straw (drainage) Advantages  dry, comfortable  generally dust free (NZ2 – 224)  bright (NZ2 – 224)  drains well (NZ2 –224) Disadvantages  requires careful management  some horses will eat it (especially oat straw)  often expensive and difficult to obtain (NZ2 –224)  flammable (NZ2 – 224)  edible (NZ2 – 224) Notes (NZ2 –224)  Do not use straw for horses with respiratory problems  Wheat: looks and drains well, light to handle, durable and not very palatable. Avoid for varieties with awns  Barley: has beards/awns which may irritate skin or cause colic if eaten  Oat: less durable though soft and comfortable. Horses may want to eat it.  If horse eats lots of bedding determine why (MH) 1. greedy: switch bedding. Mix old and new bedding together. 2. receiving insufficient bulk feed: alter ration 3. feed unpalatable: change feed Making a straw bed (NZ2 – 114) 1. remove string from bales and put away 2. shake up straw with fork so there are no lumps 3. spread it evenly  a little thicker around outside (banked to keep out drafts) 4. test for thickness with fork (shouldn’t strike through floor) 5. damp the straw slightly if your horse has wind problems

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 7 Mucking out straw (usually done in morning) 1. tie the horse up or remove him 2. take out water bucket, hay net and feed container 3. put muck sheet at doorway 4. use two sides of the box on alternate days to pile up the clean bedding. Pick up any dropping from these sides first 5. work from the edges into the middle, removing wet straw and droppings to sheet as you go 6. sweep floor thoroughly 7. sprinkle with disinfectant or lime 8. let dry if possible 9. take dirty bedding to muck heap 10. lay used straw down first and add fresh 11. remove dropping every visit Shavings Advantages (absorbent)  comfortable non-edible bed  usually free (NZ2 – 224)  deoderant (NZ2 – 224) Disadvantages  never use black walnut shavings (can cause laminitis)  droppings must be picked regularly or they become mixed in with the bedding  may be dusty (NZ2 – 224) Mucking out sawdust (applies to sawdust, paper and peat also) (MH) 1. tie up horse or remove him 2. put muck sheet or wheelbarrow by door 3. use rake for the hay and droppings and the shovel for the wet patches 4. do not pile the shavings as for straw (they break down and get dusty) just remove parts that need it 5. rake up to prevent it from becoming packed 6. remove droppings every visit Sawdust (absorbent) Advantages  comfortable if bedded deeply Disadvantages  can be dusty  check for splinters  check that there is no black walnut present  may block drainage drains (HN) Shredded Paper Advantages (absorbent)  inexpensive  can be composted or spread on cropland Disadvantages  must be bedded deeply  blows around easily so difficult to keep stable area neat  requires frequent picking out Peat Moss Advantages  very absorbent (6-10 times its weight in water) (HN 28)  lower fire risk than other absorbent beddings

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 8 Disadvantages  very heavy  darker in appearance  may be dusty when first put down  disposal is sometimes difficult

Rubber stall Advantages mats  provide cushion for legs/feet  helpful over hard surface such as concrete Disadvantages  don’t absorb moisture so require an absorbent bedding over them Sand or dirt  used in outside pens  not warm but absorbs moisture well Disadvantages  horses may pick up some sand with their feed which can eventually result in colic don’t feed directly on the ground  never use sand from seashore (has salt in it so horses may eat it) Deep Litter  use for horses turned out all day System (MH 136)  with adequate ventilation and frequent removal of droppings odor should not be a problem  can be very heavy work to completely clean out (conceivably a winter’s worth of additions)  ensure horse’s feet are kept clean, dry and healthy Procedure 1. use any type of bedding  15-20 cm shavings under top layer of straw is a good weekly bed if wood walls are not prone to rotting 2. remove droppings at every opportunity 3. add fresh bedding to existing deep bed as needed

periodically remove damp patches if peat or shavings used  rake over the bed to keep a constant depth

Manure USAB – 385 unless otherwise indicated Volume of manure  35-40 pounds/day (10 tons per year) produced  Wet and soiled bedding may equal the volume of manure

Locating the  away from horses/people  avoid flies and odor manure pile  downwind from the stable, house and neighbors  on well drained ground or concrete base with 4’ walls  decomposition creates heat so don’t place against wooden building

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 9 Managing Piles 1. Hauled away  farmer, nursery or mushroom grower 2. Spreading on crop land  not land grazed by horses as fresh manure can contaminate pasture with parasite eggs and larvae 3. Composting (to spread or sell)  three piles: finished (ready for use), breaking down (in process of decomposition) and working (where you add fresh manure)  pack the heap to encourage decomposition (heat generated reduces fly population) (HN – 22)  burning the pile may not be permissible in some areas (MH 123)

Tools Stable Tools 1. Wheelbarrow 2. Stable shovel MH 134 3. Broom 4. Pitchfork (blunted prongs) 5. Four pronged fork (blunted prongs) 6. Skep 7. Hose pipe 8. Muck sheet 9. Rack or pronged shovel (for peat, paper or shavings)

Stall and Stabling (B) -- Instructor’s Guide-- 10 STALL AND STABLE – B Homework Key 15 Marks Total

1. Four methods of ventilation in a barn (4) 1. Windows 2. Doors 3. Louvers 4. Exhaust Fans 5. Stall Fans 6. Ventilating Cowls and Tubes (HN 14)

2. Four reasons why bedding is necessary (4) 1. prevent injury and encourage horse to lie down 2. provide a soft standing surface 3. provide warmth and keep out drafts 4. encourage horse to stale, provide absorption and act as deoderant 5. assist in keeping horse clean

3. Two requirements of good flooring (2) 1. Maintain equable temperature in both hot and cold weather 2. Durable 3. Noisless 4. Non-inflammable

4. Two requirements of good roofing (2) 1. Laid on a solid foundation 2. Non-slippery 3. Smooth, durable and not feel cold 4. Slope from front to rear of stall or loosebox  just enough to allow drainage

5. Three factors determining acreage a horse needs at pasture (3) 1. Quality of the grazing 2. Time of year 3. Weather and the state of the ground (soil) 4. What other stock is carried 5. Supplementary feeding 6. The fences 7. Drainage of land

Stall and Stabling (B) – Homework Key -- 1 STALL AND STABLE – B Student’s Guide

Part I -- Horses at Pasture Purpose 1. Know types of shelters for horse at pasture 2. Watering methods for horse at pasture 3. Pasture requirements for horse at pasture

Shelters for horse at pasture (USC 166) Types of shelter (4)

Shelter Considerations

Watering At Pasture (USC 166, HN 143, MH 154) Advantages Disadvantages Field Troughs

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 1 Rivers, streams and ponds

Pasture Requirements for Horse at Pasture Factors affecting quantity of pasture required (7)

MH NZ2 194

Part II -- Stall Features Purpose 1. Discuss stall features (electrical, doors, windows, feeding, watering), advantages/disadvantages and safety considerations

Electrical Considerations (3)

MH 132 HN 19

Components (3)

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 2 Notes

Doors (size, hinges, types and latches)

HN 15 MH 128

Windows (location, type and installation)

HN 16 MH 131

Feeding Hay feeder/rack (location and notes) MH 133 HN 18

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 3 Manger (location and notes)

HN 18 MH 133

Hay net (location and notes)

MH 132 HN 18

Watering Water bucket (location and type)

MH 133, 153

Automatic waterer (location and maintenance)

MH 133 HN 18

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 4 Part III – Stable Features Purpose 1. Know what ventilation is, why it is required and means of providing it 2. Characteristics of good flooring 3. Characteristics of good roofing 4. Providing drainage for the stable

Ventilation USAB 378-380 and additional references as indicated Define ventilation

Purpose of ventilation (3)

Where do ammonia fumes come from and 4 negative effects

USAB 385

How much moisture is produced in day and what can it cause

Definition of “Air Space Per Head” and optimum #

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 5 Define draught /draft and the effect it has

Means of Ventilation (6)

What about temperature in a well ventilated stable

How air circulation in stable and factors that favor good circulation

Drainage USAB – 380 and additional references as indicated Define drainage

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 6 Areas requiring good drainage (6)

Poor drainage results in (6)

Factors affecting drainage (7)

Stall drainage

(ways of layering things in floor)

Arenas/paddocks

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 7 Roofing and Flooring Characteristics of good roofing (4)

Characteristics of good flooring (4)

Part IV -- Bedding and Manure Purpose 1. Know the reasons bedding is needed 2. Know the characteristics of good bedding 3. Know different beddings, advantages/disadvantages and tools for handling 4. Discuss principles of manure management including storage and disposal 5. Know tools that are used when handling manure/bedding

Bedding USC – 158-160 and additional references as indicated Purposes of Bedding (5)

HN 26 NZ2 –223 MH 134

Properties of Good Bedding (10)

HN - 27

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 8 Bedding Types (2)

Choosing a Bedding

USC 326

Specific Bedding Materials Straw (drainage) Advantages

NZ2 224

Disadvantages

Notes (NZ2 –224)

3 reasons horse may eat bedding

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 9 Making a straw bed (NZ2 – 114)

Mucking out straw (usually done in morning) HN 21

Shavings Advantages (absorbent)

NZ2 224

Disadvantages

Mucking out sawdust HN 22

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 10 Sawdust (absorbent) Advantages

Disadvantages

Shredded Paper Advantages (absorbent)

Disadvantages

Peat Moss Advantages

(HN 28)

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 11 Disadvantages

Rubber stall Advantages mats

Disadvantages

Sand or dirt

Disadvantages

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 12 Deep Litter System (MH 136)

Procedure

Manure USAB – 385 and additional references as indicated Volume of manure produced

Locating the manure pile (4)

What to do with piles (3 things)

HN 22 MH 123

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 13 Tools Stable Tools (9)

MH 134 HN 21

Stall and Stabling (B) – Student’s Guide -- 14 STALL AND STABLE – B Homework

1. Four methods of ventilation in a barn (4)

2. Four reasons why bedding is necessary (4)

3. Two requirements of good flooring (2)

4. Two requirements of good roofing (2)

5. Three factors determining acreage a horse needs at pasture (3)

Name: Stall and Stabling (B) – Homework -- 1