How Thick Are Horse Stall Walls?

When planning a new horse barn, you will have many decisions to make including:

The most important factor is the structure of the stalls. The stalls should be sturdy enough to withstand the impact of a rearing horse. The bars that are erected between stalls should be spaced to allow for maximum containment of the equine occupant without interfering with ventilation.

How Thick Are Horse Stall Walls?

Feed and water buckets should be fastened to the wall rather than hung on the floor to reduce the chances of the horse dropping them in an attempt to reach horse stall door. The height of the rim of the feed bucket should be about chest high, which will prevent the horse from stepping in it when eating and also allows the feeder to be cleaned easily.

If a solid wall is not used between stalls, it should be at least high enough to prevent the horses from seeing each other or touching one another which may trigger aggressive behavior. The walls should also be strong enough to withstand the impact of a kicking horse. Stalls can be constructed of wood, metal or a combination of both. Metal construction is usually more expensive, but it is durable and offers the best protection from an impacting kicking equine.

If wood is chosen, it should be either full tongue and groove (T&G) or a hardwood such as southern yellow pine. Standard lumberyard board sizes are too thin to offer adequate strength, and open gaps between boards can invite cribbing. If the wood is to be treated, a non-toxic sealant should be used.