Horse Stall Entry: Choosing Between Doors, Gates, and Guards

Published on: September 16, 2024

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

As a horse owner for many years and currently keeping seven horses in stalls, I have experienced the pros and cons of various stall entry options: sliding doors, swinging wooden and metal gates, and even guards made of plastic and webbing. Choosing the right horse stall entry is vital for their safety, your convenience, and the overall aesthetic of your barn.

Comparison Table: Horse Stall Entry Options

Feature	Doors	Gates	Guards
Security	High	Moderate	Low
Visibility	Low	Moderate	High
Airflow	Moderate	High	High
Ease of Use	Moderate	High	High
Cost	High	Moderate	Low
Aesthetics	High	Moderate	Low
Social Interaction	Low	Low	High

Doors for Horse Stall Entry

Doors are a popular and traditional choice for horse stalls, and they are available in various styles and materials to suit different preferences and budgets.

Types of Doors

• Sliding Doors: In my barn, sliding doors have proven to be a space-saving and convenient solution, particularly for my more anxious horses, who tend to startle easily. The smooth operation of sliding doors helps minimize disruptions.
• Swinging Doors: These doors hinge on one side and swing open into the aisle. They offer a classic look and good ventilation but require ample aisle space. While aesthetically pleasing, I found swinging gates less practical in my barn due to the limited aisle width.
• Dutch Doors: These doors have a top and bottom half that can be opened independently, allowing for ventilation and interaction while keeping the horse securely inside. I’ve found them particularly useful for my curious youngsters who love to observe the activity in the barn while remaining safely in their stalls.

Pros and Cons of Doors

• Pros: Security, aesthetic appeal, good ventilation, and various styles and materials are available.
• Cons: It can be expensive, swinging doors require aisle space, and there is potential for horses to get caught on swinging doors.

Safety Considerations

• Ensure sturdy latches and hinges to prevent horses from escaping.
• Avoid protruding hardware that could injure horses.
• Consider installing kickboards to protect the lower portion of the door from damage.

Gates for Horse Stall Entry

Gates provide a more open and airy feel to stalls while still offering a degree of security.

Types of Gates

• Swinging Gates: These gates swing open into the aisle, similar to swinging doors. They are often used in smaller barns or for horses not prone to leaning or pawing. I’ve used both wooden and metal swinging gates in my barn, and while they offer good visibility, they can be less secure than doors.
• Sliding Gates: Similar to sliding doors, these gates slide horizontally on a track. They are space-efficient and offer good visibility. I haven’t personally used sliding gates for my horse stall entries, but I can see their appeal in barns with limited aisle space.
• Yoke Gates: These gates consist of two vertical bars connected by a horizontal yoke at the top. They are typically used for foaling stalls or areas where maximum visibility is desired.

Note: My favorite type of gate extends low to the ground, minimizing the risk of a horse’s legs getting caught underneath while they’re lying down.

Pros and Cons of Gates

• Pros: Increased visibility and airflow, cost-effective, easy to operate.
• Cons: Less secure than doors, potential for horses to lean or paw over them, can be noisy when opened and closed.

Safety Considerations

• Choose gates with secure latches to prevent horses from escaping.
• Ensure the gate is tall enough to discourage horses from jumping over it.
• Consider adding a grill or mesh panel to the lower portion of the gate for added security.

I particularly like the versatility of combining a sliding door with a gate. This setup allows me to use the gate for horses who enjoy sticking their heads out for social interaction or fresh air, while the sliding door provides a secure option when I need to confine a horse.

Guards for Horse Stall Entry

Guards offer maximum visibility and airflow while allowing for social interaction between horses.

Types of Guards

• Full Guards: These guards extend from the floor to the ceiling, providing a complete barrier while maintaining visibility. They are often used in breeding barns or horses requiring close monitoring.
• Half Guards: These guards extend halfway up the stall opening, allowing for more interaction and airflow while still providing some containment. I have used half-guards made of plastic and webbing for my horses, appreciating the increased visibility and social interaction they offer.
• Grill Guards: These guards consist of vertical bars or mesh panels, providing visibility and airflow while preventing horses from escaping.

Pros and Cons of Guards

• Pros: Maximum visibility and airflow, promote social interaction, cost-effective.
• Cons: Less secure than doors or gates, potential for horses to lean or paw over them, may not be suitable for all horses.

Safety Considerations

• Ensure the guard is securely attached to the stall opening.
• Choose a guard with appropriate spacing to prevent horses from getting their heads or legs stuck.
• Consider the height of the guard, especially for horses that tend to jump or rear.

Personal Experiences:

I’m a big fan of half-guards made of webbing – they’re great for airflow which is important in South Louisiana. But they’re not for every horse. If you’ve got a real firecracker in your barn, one who loves to play or test boundaries, they might try to lean over or even paw at the webbing. In those cases, it’s better to go with something a bit more solid, like a full guard or a old-fashioned gate.

Choosing the Best Horse Stall Entry: Key Considerations

Several factors influence the ideal stall entry choice. Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.

Horse Temperament

A horse’s personality and behavior significantly impact the suitable entry type. For instance, I once had a particularly curious and playful mare who loved to lean over her stall door and interact with passersby. A traditional swinging gate was not ideal for her, as she’d often get her head stuck or unlatched the gate.

We switched to a half-guard, allowing social interaction while keeping her safe. Studies on horse behavior and stall design, such as those from the University of Kentucky’s Equine Science program, emphasize the importance of considering a horse’s temperament in stall design choices.

Barn Layout and Space

Your barn’s design and available space play a crucial role in entry selection. In my current barn, the aisle space is relatively narrow. Initially, I installed swinging gates, but they often obstructed the aisle when open, making it challenging to maneuver horses and equipment. I eventually replaced them with sliding doors, optimizing the limited space and improving traffic flow.

Budget Considerations

Different entry types and materials come with varying costs. While I appreciate the aesthetic appeal of wooden doors, they can be more expensive and require more maintenance than metal options. When building my barn on a tight budget, I opted for sturdy metal gates, prioritizing functionality and durability over aesthetics.

Desired Level of Security

Stall entry security is paramount to prevent horses from escaping and ensure their safety. Once, a strong storm blew through my property, and the wind caused a few unsecured stall doors to swing open. Thankfully, no horses escaped, but it was a wake-up call to reinforce all latches and consider more secure entry options. Organizations like the American Association of Equine Practitioners offer valuable safety guidelines for horse stalls, including recommendations for secure entries.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

User-friendly and low-maintenance options save time and effort in the long run. While initially requiring more installation effort, sliding doors are generally easier to operate and maintain than swinging gates, especially during harsh weather conditions.

Over the years, my stall entry choices have evolved based on my horses’ individual needs and my barn’s layout. I started with swinging gates, but as my herd grew and my barn expanded, I transitioned to sliding doors and half-guards, finding the perfect balance of security, functionality, and social interaction for my horses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Stall Entries

Conclusion

Selecting the correct stall entry is crucial for ensuring your horse’s safety, your convenience, and the overall functionality of your barn. When deciding, consider your horse’s temperament, barn layout, budget, and personal preferences. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the best choice will vary based on your circumstances. By carefully evaluating your options and prioritizing your horse’s well-being, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your equine companion.

Please comment below if you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with stall entries!