Things to know before building stable in a tropical country

1. Plan Ahead

Planning is of utmost importance. A key part of planning is to think ahead; in a few years you might need more stalls than you currently need today. If you have additional stalls today without a horse to occupy it, they make great storage space. In a tropical climate, you should build bigger stalls for better ventilation and wider aisle so that horses can pass each other easily when tacked up or when it rains.

2. Maximize Airflow and Ventilation

The basic design of stable in tropical climates is similar to stable in moderate areas, but tropical countries there has to be more airflow. Bigger stalls and a wider aisle provides more open areas which improves airflow. A well ventilated stable is very important for the horse to stay cool in the humid tropical climate.

A great way to improve ventilation is to leverage natural airflow. Installing properly sized windows and doors can help with natural airflow. In higher altitudes, it can be cool during certain times of the year, - while below 1500 m it will always be hot. Hot climates make ventilation even more important.

3. Optimize the Stable Structure

The Roof

The roof of the stable should be high and should extend past the side walls to prevent rain from entering the stalls . Tropical storm can bring great amount of rain with very strong winds so an extended roof helps prevent water from entering the stable structure.

Wash Stalls

The wash stalls can be outside but should be under a roof for sun and rain protection for the horse and groom.

Tack Room

Plan enough space for a tack room with good ventilation and space for extra fans mounted on the walls if necessary. Tack room are quickly filled up and become crowded - if not big enough.