Winds and Wooden Stables

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Shoei

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I think I have a paranoia over the wind.

I also seem to have no comprehension of how damaging a 50mph gust can be?

I have a block of 4 stables with a sheltered return on one side. They have greeting bars In between each stable and the end stable is under the return with a sliding door and bars all the way... Open at the top. The other 3 stables have windows with top vents which remain open.

Last year the horses were out all winter and I shut the top doors and vents when it was windy. This year I have 2 in the centre stables overnight and with 40 and 50mph gusts forecast I wondered what is best to do? Leave them out or put them in with the theory that there is plenty of places for the wind to escape!

What does everyone else do?
 
iv'e had wooden stables for the last 3 years, barn at one end and field shelter at the other end, wev'e been through some of the worst weather iv'e ever seen in my life, unbelievable winds, hail the size of golf balls , snow feet deep, i put mine in every night and i always leave their tops open whatever the weather, i think mine prefer it like that, i'm sure yours will be fine stabled with the vents open.
 
I have a block of 3 timber stables centre partitions are open at the top so horses can talk to each other. Stables have vented section above windows. Last winter I decided to close top doors when it was really windy with horses in at night. It really worried me that the wind would get in and lift the roof otherwise. Horses were fine no chest problems and because they could see each other were happy. I shut all doors when the stables aren't being used. We are at the top of a hill on the Pennines so it can get very wild.
 
I've got wooden stables, oldest 2 are 1979, then 1986 block of 3 & a 1996 block of 2 with hay barn. Tall trees are less than a stable length away from the long side.
Never shut the doors on them, not had a prob (even in the 87 storm).
I have left mine out tho on very rare occasions if over 60mph is forecast - and thats with heavy rain. Purely as am paranoid about trees trying to sit down on the yard.....
 
I have a block of only 2 timber stables with small tack room at end. There is a half wall partition between the stables, and a window with clear plastic panel at the front. Behind us (north facing) are trees (which ARE a worry) and the front is open across the field, although it's reasonably sheltered due to the positioning. When we took on the property, the roof had actually blown off the stables the previous winter, so although I know the repairs are good, it's a real worry, as it's already happened once!

Last winter I had all mine in on the worst occaisons, and closed top doors. They were fine. And by all in, TB in one stable, 2 ponies in the other (who have been together since the youngest was a foal). Anyway, just as well I did as the wind picked up whole wooden fence posts (field is sectioned with wooden fence posts and electric fence) and flung them all over the place - exceptional, I believe as we are on clay and it was just so wet there was nothing left to hold on to them.
 
Mine are timber on a concrete base. I've been here 20 years and I know they survived the great storm of 87. I've never closed the top door and haven't had a problem.

50mph winds aren't that strong! If it were 80mph+ I'd leave the horses out as have hulking great oak trees right behind the stables and all the way down the fence line between my yard and the road which would worry me more.
 
If the wind can get into any building, it is essential to make sure it has a way of getting out or you have a hang glider waiting to take off! Concrete foundations to barns are not to keep the building up but to hold it down. There is no reason why you shouldn't throw a rope over the roof and anchor it either end if you are worried. Also, park vehicles/trailers/large bales/etc on the windward side to act as a wind break. Long term, plant trees, but not so close their leaves fill the gutters (as I know from bitter experience).
 
I leave my 2 out in windy weather, however they are lucky to have a 5 acre field with natural high hedges and a field shelter. Years ago someone at pony club had their ponies killed by the roof of a stone barn collapsing in the winter wind. We have a verylarge ash tree across the lane from my yard,it doesnt belong to me and I'm scared of it falling into my yard or onto the stable roofs.
 
I shut my top doors on very windy nights. I live in an exposed area and my friend lost the roof to her whole block once so I'm not risking it.
 
Thanks guys I have put them in as normal. Whilst the fields are very exposed and on topic a hill the actual stable yard is pretty sheltered with large banks with mature trees to the front and back of yard. Fingers crossed I'm just being paranoid, but it's good to hear everyone else's experiences.
 
I decide whether to shut the doors or not on how much the roof is rattling. I have no idea what speed the wind is. You will get an idea if it's too windy.
 
Nicnaclaus said:
Mine are timber on a concrete base. I've been here 20 years and I know they survived the great storm of 87. I've never closed the top door and haven't had a problem.

50mph winds aren't that strong! If it were 80mph+ I'd leave the horses out as have hulking great oak trees right behind the stables and all the way down the fence line between my yard and the road which would worry me more.
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This pretty much sums up my set up, minus the nearby trees. My stables have been there over 30years and sailed through the 87 storm. The only problem we had was a gale soon after they were stood on their base. The stables moved about a foot off the base. My Dad jacked them back on and then bolted them down. They have been fine since. I have no worries about leaving the horses in, even if really windy.

I do not shut any doors.
 
Honey08 said:
I shut my top doors on very windy nights. I live in an exposed area and my friend lost the roof to her whole block once so I'm not risking it.
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Yes,we do too. In fact I've just been out and done that very thing. We are at the top of the Pennines and although our yard is fairly sheltered, in comparison to the fields, better safe than sorry. A neighbour once had the entire roof blow off a stable block, when the horses were in, fortunately none was injured. His high level competition horses spent quite a few weeks living out that winter!
 
It's a combination of speed and wind. North/east has no effect at our yard - south/west takes your breath away and too doors shut. Fwiw I thought mine would go bonkers with door shut - but he's a bloke so a full Haynet keeps him happy and he's rideable afterwards!

We're used to wind here and I'll ride until approx 40mph.
 
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