Converting a cart shed

[Fii]

We have a stone built cart shed that we use as a stable, it is twenty foot deep by fifteen wide. It would be of more use if i could make it into two stables, but....to make two fifteen by ten stables would mean one would have to be axcessed through the other. So one horse would be at the front and the other at the back with a gate for getting in and out through the front stable. (am i making sense?) The partition would be easy to do as the A frame of the roof is central so we can work of that. My question is, is this somthing you would consider as an option or a definate no no for stabling. the other option is two , twenty by seven and half stables which is not what i want. Also cant do any exturnal alterations.

I hope that was'nt confusing.

 

[Enfys]

Your two horses wouldn't go in together would they?

As far as I see it the only disadvantage with having to go through #1 to get to #2 would be the sheer inconvenience. No way you can make another doorway is there? (Knowing what old cart sheds are like though, probably not. 2' thick stone walls?)

What about one 15' x 10' at the back, and one 10' x 10' at the front so there is a 5' walkway to the second one? Maybe jiggle figures a bit, 15' x 9' at the back and 11' x 10' at the front?

My single stalls are 10' x 11' and I have had stonking great 16h + QHs living in them quite happily.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I have seen loads of similar arrangements over the years, some in riding schools and livery yards although its easier if the horses all belong to one person. We have 3 'interlocking' stables like this in a converted building. When they are full (which they are not at the moment) the first horse in has to go through 2 stables to get to its own. This is fine because they always come in in the same order. The only difficulty is that we have to clear bedding/muck from in front of the door to get the 2nd and 3rd horses out. When the horse in the 1st box had a stroke the others had to stay in until the hunt arrived to pts and remove her (although actually I think that helped them to know what had happened). The only real concern is that we would struggle in a fire to get them all out quickly but we are prepared for that and keep a fork just at the side of the building to move bedding as fast as possible. The horses appreciate living at close quarters and can often be seen leaning on the shared partition at the same time, getting as close a spossible to each other.

 

[*hic*]

I'd go with Enfys' suggeston and have a 15' x 9' and 10' x 11'.

 

[Fii]

Enfys, yes ponies go in together, using as a shelter/walk in, at the moment as they are loose in yard so can please themselves , but is'nt ideal as one is more dominant than other, also they trash the bed being in together. Will mark out a 15x9 and a 10x11 and see what it looks like. pearlasinger...thats what i was worried about getting horse in back out quick anough, but we do have ones that don't like being in on there own and this would be a good solution. Thanks everyone for your help.