Stable yard and arena – case study

Private stable blocks and maneges are not the only construction services that Chapelstone Equestrian undertakes.

We also design, plan and engineer larger works for commercial equestrian facilities such as livery yards, stud farms and riding schools.

One of the largest builds was for Cleveland House Stud, based near Newmarket in Suffolk.

The customer engaged Chapelstone for the task as they had very specific requirements.

The end result is a beautiful, functional, top-drawer yard that has many well thought out finishing touches.

The build comprises of 18 stables, two tack rooms, a 20m x 60m arena with two entrance gates finished with a waxed sand and fibre surface. There are also various access tracks and car parking.

The main entrance to the stable block has an attractive archway which incorporates a wash-down area. There is another walkway at the rear of the yard which also has a wash-down area. Both of these have drains which have removable metal baskets for silt, making for easing cleaning. A five foot overhang with support posts and gallows brackets finishes the look, and is perfectly in keeping with scale of the yard.

The stables themselves are of varying sizes in accordance with the customer’s instructions, and are fully lined. The larger stables even have bigger doors to accommodate the fact that larger horses will be going in and out!

Every stable has an automatic drinker, and these were installed so that they could be individually isolated. The rooves are decked with plywood for longevity and clear roof sheets were installed to allow natural light to flood in. Fully lined talk grilles are incorporated into every stable, as are rear top stable doors allowing natural ventilation, meaning cooler horses in the summer.

On the south facing side of the yard, the purlins were up rated to support a future solar panel installation.

There are two tack rooms, one at each end of the yard. These rooms have lined, insulated ceilings and have steel grid work built into the walls to provide additional security.

We also installed a CCTV system. This means that owners can check on their horses (particularly when poorly) and keep a close eye on mares in foal.

Completed in 2015, our customer also benefitted from the many standard elements of construction that some companies only offer as extras.

For example, there are solid plank timber kickboards in all the stables which means that should a horse kick the board hard it will not to trap the hoof. More flimsy kick boards can simply bow inwards and the horse’s hoof can become wedged as the board springs back.

Timber preservative is applied to all Chapelstone stables both on the outside AND the inside. This maximised protection and extends the life of the timber.

Chapelstone also use high quality ironmongery on all their stables, gates and on any other equestrian facilities as standard.

We take great pride in offering the best service and in using our own skilled craftsmen. We can work with you on design, help you with planning and ensure that you end up with the equestrian facilities you dream of.

If you are considering any type of build, from a single field shelter to a full working livery yard and arena like the one at Cleveland House Stud, contact Chapelstone today.

Telephone 01206 869860

Email info@chapelstone.co.uk

Visit the website www.chapelstone.co.uk