I grew up in a farming family, surrounded by animals and out in all weathers, and like many people in our industry, I’ve spent a lifetime around horses in one way or another. That background has shaped how I see our responsibilities today.

Temporary stables should never mean second best. In this piece, I share my thoughts on what more we can and must do to ensure welfare isn’t compromised in temporary environments and how thoughtful design can make all the difference.

Welfare by Design in Equine Stables
Modern research and industry standards make one thing clear: stable design has a profound impact on equine health and welfare. A well-designed stable isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for horse wellbeing. As the British Horse Society notes, poorly designed or managed stabling can lead to injuries, respiratory problems, and even fire risks. Horses are herd animals by nature, meant to roam and graze freely; when we house them in stalls (whether at home or at competitions), we must carefully consider how factors like space, ventilation, social contact and hygiene affect their physical and mental health.

Recent UK-based research and authoritative commentary from bodies like the FEI and British Equestrian Federation echo this, emphasising that good stable design is fundamental to good horse management. From permanent barns to temporary event stables, the latest findings highlight how thoughtful design, from ventilation and layout to materials and social contact can directly support equine health.

At Woodhouse, we’ve taken these insights to heart, integrating them into every aspect of our temporary stabling solutions. It’s part of our long-standing commitment to innovation, design excellence and sustainability in equine infrastructure.

Yet despite everything we now know, there remains no universal standard for temporary stables across UK equestrian sport – something we believe must change. As specialists in temporary equine stabling and design, we see it as our responsibility to help lead that change from the ground up.

The FEI’s Evolving Voice on Welfare
Across the global equestrian community, there’s a welcome and growing focus on horse welfare – not just in how horses are ridden or trained, but in how they live, rest, and recover. The FEI continues to lead on this front, strengthening expectations around the environments horses are kept in at events and in everyday care.

In 2024, the FEI launched its Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan, a comprehensive roadmap of 37 actions across six key focus areas. These include promoting ethical and humane training, recognising physical and emotional stress in horses, and reinforcing accountability and enforcement across the sport. It’s a significant step forward, signalling to the global community that horse welfare isn’t a side conversation – it’s the core conversation.

Practical initiatives are already being implemented. For example, from May 2025, a new standardised noseband measuring device will be introduced at FEI events to prevent excessive tightening – a tangible action in response to scientific evidence around equine discomfort and stress.

At Woodhouse, we’ve long shared the ethos behind these efforts. We’ve spent decades engineering stabling environments where horses can rest, recover and settle – even in high-pressure, short-term settings. The FEI’s standards aren’t something we simply comply with; they reflect the benchmarks we help set.

Ventilation: Breathing Easy in the Stable
Fresh air is non-negotiable for horse health. Without adequate ventilation, stables can trap dust, ammonia from urine, and pathogens, leading to respiratory issues like inflammation or “stable cough.” Authorities stress the importance of airflow: stables “must be safe, hygienic, comfortable, well ventilated” per the FEI’s welfare code. The British Horse Society likewise advises that effective stable ventilation is essential year-round to circulate fresh air, help regulate temperature, and decrease the risk of respiratory problems.

Ventilation can be achieved through multiple design features – high roof clearances, ridge or eave vents, windows and barn doors positioned to create draft-free airflow. In fact, UK guidelines recommend at least 60-90 cm of clear space above a horse’s ears to the eaves, to ensure adequate air circulation in the stall.

Research backs up these recommendations. Installing a mechanical ventilation system in a riding school stable halved the concentration of CO₂ and markedly reduced airborne allergens. Dust and ammonia levels also improved with better airflow, underscoring that ventilation isn’t just about comfort – it directly affects air quality and respiratory health.

Event stabling poses a particular ventilation challenge. Here, innovation is making a difference. Modern temporary stable systems are designed with ventilation in mind. For example, Woodhouse’s latest temporary stables use an open eave roof design with vented gable covers to promote excellent natural air flow through each unit. This means even in a packed showground, horses breathe healthier air. Our structures also feature materials and layouts that minimise dust – from dust-resistant recycled plastic walls to optional rubber mat flooring that can be easily cleaned of irritants.

Space, Social Contact, and Stress Reduction
It’s well documented that horses cope better when they have enough space and can see or touch other horses. Traditional stabling i.e. individual boxes with solid wall, can be stressful due to isolation. Modern stable design is increasingly addressing horses’ social needs to boost their mental welfare. Even for short-term stabling, new research shows the benefits of enabling some level of contact.

A recent University of Edinburgh study examined horses in different stable designs: solid walls, barred windows, and half-walls allowing nose-to-nose contact. The findings were clear: horses in half-wall stables spent more time relaxed or resting. Even with just an hour of confinement, the horses were noticeably calmer when the stable allowed social interaction.

At Woodhouse, we prioritise spacious stall dimensions and thoughtful layout in our temporary stabling to avoid a claustrophobic feel. Our standard units measure 3m x 3m in line with FEI minimums, with the option of 3m x 4m barn-style stables for added space and comfort where needed. Our barn-style configurations and door grills allow horses to see activity outside their stall, helping them feel more connected and less shut in. And our tensioned roof design minimises noise and flapping, maintaining a calm, low-stress environment.

Bedding and Stable Comfort
The type and quality of bedding underfoot affects air quality, hoof and joint health, hygiene, and the horse’s ability to lie down or rest. A 2023 review in Animals confirmed that straw and wood shavings remain the most prevalent choices, each offering distinct benefits.

Straw is soft and allows for natural foraging but can be dusty. Shavings are cleaner and absorbent but may lack enrichment. Ultimately, no single bedding material is ‘best’… stable managers must weigh each horse’s needs, alongside practical and environmental considerations.

Our stable design supports a range of bedding choices, with durable floors and kickboards that resist damage from moisture and use. Where appropriate, rubber matting can also be incorporated to add comfort and support horses in resting more easily.

Supporting a Safe, Healthy Environment
Cleanliness and a safe structure are essential to horse health. While we are undertaking a broader programme of work around biosecurity, which we’ll share more on in due course, our temporary stables are already designed with hygiene, airflow and sanitation in mind.

From non-porous, easily sanitised materials to structures that promote airflow and calm, our design intent is always to minimise risk and support horse health. We’re proud to work with some of the most experienced event organisers in the country to deliver stabling that not only meets expectations but raises them.

Pushing for Progress: Why We’re Lobbying for a Shared Standard
While design-led welfare is core to our work, we know it’s not enough to lead by example alone. The lack of a mandatory, industry-wide standard for temporary stabling creates inconsistency in welfare provision and undermines public trust in horse sport as a whole.

We’re actively engaging with organisers, governing bodies, and welfare advocates to help define a clear, enforceable baseline that reflects what good looks like, not just in principle, but in real-world delivery. We believe this is vital for the horses themselves, for the future of equestrian sport, and for the trust placed in it by participants and the public alike.

For more on this, see our related article: What drives trust in temporary stabling?

Temporary Stables, Lasting Benefits
There’s a common misconception that ‘temporary’ stabling implies compromise. In truth, temporary event stables can and should uphold the same welfare standards as permanent barns. At Woodhouse, we’ve been proving that for over a century.

From our patented QuickStables system to our recycled plastic kickboards and intelligent ventilation features, we’ve engineered every detail to ensure horses are safe, secure and settled. Our stall doors are oversized for safer access; our layouts support visibility and calmness and our materials are chosen for durability and hygiene.

As research continues to shed light on equine needs, we’ll continue to adapt and lead. Whether it’s using sustainable materials, supporting airflow, or creating calm, social environments – every stable we provide reflects our belief that welfare is built-in, not bolted on.

Conclusion: Leading by Example in Equine Welfare
Horse welfare should be at the heart of stable design – permanent or temporary. From academic research to regulatory updates, the consensus is clear: elements like ventilation, space, social interaction, flooring, and a hygienic environment aren’t optional – they are essential.

That belief is central to how we work: not just in the way stables are designed and delivered, but in how expectations across the industry are challenged and raised. Welfare is never an afterthought. It’s designed in from the very start, grounded in evidence, experience, and respect for the animals in our care.

As conversations around social licence and welfare continue to shape equestrian sport, we’ll keep showing what’s possible and work with others to make consistent, high-standard provision the norm, not the exception. We welcome continued dialogue with fellow stakeholders who want to raise the bar for horses across all levels of competition.