A three-part door gives small ponies a lower opening to look through. It has one top panel and two lower panels, so you can open the top and middle while leaving the bottom closed.
If a larger pony or horse uses the box later, bolt the lower panels together to create a standard-height bottom door.
Three-part pony doors:
Standard two-part doors:
At Chart Stables, we can include three-part pony doors when designing fixed stables, mobile stables and American barns.
Visit our stable doors and windows page to see the three-part pony door and compare it with our other door options.
The lower door should be low enough for the pony to look outside comfortably but high enough to contain it safely.
The British Horse Society recommends a minimum stable-door width of 1.25m (4ft), but it does not specify a standard bottom-door height for ponies.
Consider:
Our team can help you choose a safe arrangement for your pony.
Door dimensions are only one part of the design, so also check our horse stable size guide when planning the box.
A safe pony stable door needs strong materials, secure fastenings and no gaps where a hoof or leg could become trapped.
It should open outwards or slide across rather than opening into the box. Secure fastenings at the top and bottom help stop the pony pushing it open or catching a leg between the door and frame.
Chart stable doors use pressure-treated timber and galvanised fittings. We can also add anti-chew protection to vulnerable timber edges.
Check the door regularly for:
Repair any damage promptly and make sure every fastening works properly.
One customer asked us to fit three pony stables into a small, existing semicircular area. We created a bespoke layout to make use of the available space and fitted each box with a three-part pony door.
The lower openings suited the small ponies, while the adaptable doors meant that larger ponies or horses could use the boxes in the future. Each lower panel also had its own fittings and extended anti-chew protection.
This project shows how bespoke stables can accommodate both unusual spaces and different-sized animals.
Our guide to choosing your ideal stable block layout explores other ways to arrange stable boxes and facilities.
At Chart Stables, we design and build bespoke timber stables around your ponies, property and routine. Alongside three-part pony doors, you can choose the box sizes, layout, windows, partitions, roofing and storage areas that work best for your yard.
Our fixed and mobile stables use pressure-treated timber, strong framing and practical safety features. We can also help you plan for different-sized occupants or changes to your yard in the future.
Explore our range of timber stables, or contact our team to discuss your ponies, available space and preferred design.
Are three-part stable doors suitable for Shetland ponies?
They can work well for Shetlands because the additional lower panel can create a more comfortable viewing height. The correct arrangement will depend on the individual pony’s size and behaviour.
Does every pony need a lower stable door?
No. Some taller ponies can comfortably use a standard stable door.
Can you add a pony door to an existing stable?
It may be possible, depending on the existing opening, frame and condition of the building.
Should pony stable doors open inwards or outwards?
Stable doors should open outwards or slide across rather than opening into the box. This preserves the space inside and gives handlers a clearer exit route.
