American barn style stables - minimum central aisle width?

[Darbs]

If planning a layout for stable partitions to go into an existing barn to create an American style barn of stables either side along a central aisle, what would you think is the minimum reasonable width of that central aisle between the stables that face each each other?

 

[Red-1]

I think that can depend on if you are planning doors that are barred or doors where they hang their heads out. Makes a huge difference.

Also, if you slant the door accesses, the passage can be narrower.

 

[tda]

I've been pondering this, thinking of having one at home, I decided 16 ft because it fit in with the space I have so plenty room. My neighbour has one and his is very tight

 

[kimberleigh]

My thoughts would it would depend on how many stables, if they were all in use at once and whether it was purely for private use or livery.

If you have 24 stables for example, all in use at once, by liveries then you will require a much wider separation walkway than you wouod if you had 4 stables for private use, as likelihood being you wont be getting all 4 out of stables at once!

I'm wanting to build 4 12x12', 2 each side facing each other, and would be in a 30 x 40' barn. So would have a 6' walkway, which is tight, but doable given that only 2 stables would be in constant use

 

[Darbs]

I'm wanting to build 4 12x12', 2 each side facing each other, and would be in a 30 x 40' barn. So would have a 6' walkway, which is tight, but doable given that only 2 stables would be in constant use

Thanks all, this is interesting and very similar to what we are discussing, my initial reaction was 8ft minimum, and the narrowest commercial plans I can find show a 10 ft minimum, but you're right, the question is how many will be in use at any one time.

 

[Bob notacob]

I would say that 16 ft is an absolute minimum .The problem is leading a horse down and being able to keep sufficiently out of range of horses protecting their space .

 

[merry neddy man]

If a horse is tied up in the aisle while mucking out in rain/ snow/ period you need 16' (4-8m) aisle to walk another horse or barrow past safely.

 

[kimberleigh]

Thanks all, this is interesting and very similar to what we are discussing, my initial reaction was 8ft minimum, and the narrowest commercial plans I can find show a 10 ft minimum, but you're right, the question is how many will be in use at any one time.

And also if they get on well and dont have a pop at another walking past then there should be no issue.

Current set up has 3 stables facing a wall (so furthest and middle have to walk past others) - walkway is 5' and not had any issues thus far

 

[Sussexbythesea]

Personally scrimping on a permanent structure that you will use day in and day out does not make sense. I appreciate it’s costly but you see so many badly designed yards that just create more work and issues in the long run. Also think that you may want to sell on one day or change what you do and that might mean a narrower gap doesn’t work so well.

 

[Mari]

We converted our barn to American style stables. 3 facing 2 + 1 which is at the end & open to the field so in effect used as a shelter for horses to escape the weather when out. This was brilliant when we both worked full time as horses could choose whether to be in or out. My walkway is 16’ & is great space for when there is more than one person / horse using that area, also for mucking out, farrier, vet, etc. All under cover & no hassle.

 

[Darbs]

If a horse is tied up in the aisle while mucking out in rain/ snow/ period you need 16' (4-8m) aisle to walk another horse or barrow past safely.

As a point of interest the vast majority of the commercial stable manufacturers have a central aisle width of 10 feet, 11 feet or 12 feet.

 

[SEL]

My last livery yard had a really large walkway which meant stables opposite each other could both tie-up outside easily. Brilliant when the weather was miserable.

Another yard had such a tight walkway that it was one horse at a time down it. That was a pain not only for leading horses through it, but also meant that any tying up had to be done in the open yard where you couldn't watch your horse. It had sliding doors on the stables, so no issue with opening / closing - but I'd take the bigger space any day if possible.