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A stable may be a comfortable and sheltered environment for a horse, but can also present various hazards. Kieran O'Brien MRCVS details how to avoid potential stable injuries

A STABLE is considered to be a secure and safe environment for a horse. Although the present system of stabling horses has evolved over centuries, avoidable injuries still occur in stabled horses. These can be prevented by some simple precautions.

Door dangers

DOORS should always open outwards. Inward-opening doors are often found in converted sheds, commonly where feed has been stored. If a horse rolls – for example, because of a colic attack – and becomes cast against the door, it may be impossible to open.

The anti-chew metal covering on doors and partitions can become loose and bent outwards (often at a corner), exposing sharp edges. These sharp edges can cause cuts to horses’ faces or muzzles and must be reattached promptly.

Older wooden stable doors, where they have become damp over time, can rot along the bottom. This may go unnoticed. Significant injuries have occurred where a horse, banging the door with a foot in anticipation of being fed or turned out, has penetrated the bottom of the door, trapping its foot.

Many horses become adept at opening their stable doors. Horse-proof auto-locking “pig bolts” are best for doors, as these require an internal latch to be lifted with a finger before the door can be opened. Alternatively, a lower “kick bolt” can be used. Feed-room doors should always be kept shut so a horse, escaping from its stable, cannot gain access. If the feed-room door must be left open to allow access for nesting swallows (this is common), some sort of barrier should be put in place, such as a chain.