converting a chalk floored barn to stables

[coffeeandabagel]

I am hoping to move to yard where they are converting an old barn into stables, but without using prefabricated stables, just using whats around or whats free or cheap.

I have seen previous posts on here saying how brilliant chalk is as a stable floor. What bedding works best - these are going to be very big stables. At the moment its in pretty good condition but with the occasional rock in it! I have some mats - but with 2 stables to fit out I couldn't afford to do more than the doorways.

What height should partitions be for 17 hh horses. At the moment the main partition between stables is about 3ft6 high - what would be good to add another 4ft height.

Currently there is a 5 bar gate with plastic / rubber ?? rabbit netting (or sheep netting) over it. What else can be used to make this safer and warmer.

Picture of your home converted barns would be most welcome!!

 

[Noodlebug]

I have chalk floors and rubber matting will just make it sweat so that the mats moves around. I have used all bedding on it and the wee just soaks away. Mine do have a few flints in but never been a problem I just have very big beds. The only thing you can't do is get them wet or wash them out.

 

[coffeeandabagel]

I have chalk floors and rubber matting will just make it sweat so that the mats moves around.

OK, someone had suggested a mat might stop a horse digging holes. How do you avoid ruts forming? One of the older chalk stables there had lots of holes / ruts.

 

[Noodlebug]

Unfortunately the floors in my stables are un even but they have been in them for years. Unless the floors are level now and the mats fit perfectly they will move around.