Guides & Advice | Chart Stables

Read our guides & advice about stabling & horses

Building Stables on Your Property: A Pre-build Checklist

Use this practical pre-build checklist to assess your site, access, planning position and budget before ordering horse stables.

Summer Horse Care: Keeping Horses Cool in Hot Weather

Help your horse stay safe and comfortable during hot weather with practical advice on water, shade, exercise, cooling and heat stress.

Designing Stables for Nervous Horses

Planning stables for a nervous horse? Explore design features that balance visibility, privacy, safety and a calm daily routine.

Designing Stables for Older and Retired Horses

Planning stables for an older or retired horse? Explore design features that support easier movement, comfort and everyday care.

Stables vs Field Shelters: Which Is Right for Your Horses?

Not sure whether your horses need stables or a field shelter? Compare the key differences and choose the right option for your horses and land.

Stable Layout: How To Choose The Best Location For Horse Stables

Find the best place to build your horse stables by considering drainage, access, weather, planning and the layout of your land.

Stable Building: 8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

Building horse stables for the first time? Avoid eight costly mistakes that can affect horse welfare, everyday routines and long-term performance.

The true cost of a mobile field shelter in the UK

Planning to buy a mobile field shelter? Compare current prices and find out what affects the long-term cost.

Stable Design: Tips to Improve Handler Safety and Practical Use

How can thoughtful stable design make everyday horse care safer? Explore practical advice on flooring, lighting, walkways, storage and fittings.

How Much Do Stables Cost to Build? And Are They Worth It?

Discover typical wooden stable costs in the UK, what affects price, and whether building your own timber stables is a good long-term investment.

How to Design Horse Stables for Rest and Relaxation

Good stable design can help horses feel safe, settled and ready to rest. Discover how layout, materials, ventilation and bedding create a calmer environment.

Top 10 Horse Stables Upgrades

Which upgrades should you add to your new horse stables? Explore ten practical options for a stronger, safer and more functional stable block.

Building Stables In Hampshire

Planning to build stables in Hampshire? Explore local planning considerations and choose a design that suits your property.

Building Stables In Surrey

Planning to build stables in Surrey? Learn about local planning considerations and choose a design that suits your property.

How To Design A Professional Horse Yard: A Guide (Pt. 2)

Planning the riding and turnout areas for a professional horse yard? Explore arena sizes, surfaces, pens, horse walkers and fencing options.

How To Design A Professional Horse Yard: A Guide (Pt. 1)

Find out all the factors you need to consider for your equestrian facility.

American Barn Or Stables: What’s the Best Option For Your Horses?

Find out the differences and advantages for American barns and traditional wooden stables.

Building Stables In The Cotswolds

Discover how to plan timber stables that complement a Cotswolds property, from planning requirements to cladding and roofing choices.

Mobile Stables vs Fixed Stables: Pros And Cons

Not sure whether to choose mobile or fixed stables? Compare the key differences, costs and practical considerations to find the right option.

How To Design Stables For Happy Horses And Riders, According To Pro Rider Daniel Watson

How can stable design work better for horses and riders? Discover professional rider Daniel Watson’s advice on welfare, safety and yard efficiency.

Laying Stable Foundations: Everything You Need To Know

Planning foundations for new fixed stables? Learn what materials you need and how to prepare a strong, level concrete base.

A Winter Shelter For Three Majestic Horses

Discover why a Kent couple returned to Chart Stables for a double mobile field shelter designed to protect their three horses in winter.

Best Mobile Field Shelter Locations

Find the best position for your mobile field shelter throughout the year, with practical advice on wind, shade, drainage and access.

The Best Stable Design Features

Planning a new stable block? Explore practical design features that support horse welfare and make daily yard tasks easier.

Chart Stables Sponsors British Dressage South and East

Chart Stables supports dressage riders across the South and East, from grassroots participants to national and international competitors.

Keeping stables warm in winter and cool in summer

Discover how stable design can help keep your horses comfortable in hot and cold weather. Explore practical ways to improve shade, airflow, insulation and weather protection.

Do I need planning permission to build stables?

Planning new stables or a mobile field shelter? Find out when permission may be needed and what to check before you build.

The Timber Treatment Process

How does timber treatment help make a timber building last longer?

Size Matters

Not sure what size stable your horse needs? Compare recommended dimensions for horses, ponies, foaling boxes and donkeys.

Tips to Help Stop Your Horse Chewing His Stable

Learn why horses chew wood and how forage, turnout, social contact, enrichment and anti-chew fittings can help protect horses and timber stables.

Hay Barns - Have You Got Your Hay Stored Correctly?

Keep your hay dry, well ventilated and easy to access with practical advice on storage, stacking, fire safety and hay barn size.

Are Your Stables Properly Ventilated?

Discover how doors, windows, vents, roof height and good stable management can improve airflow and create a healthier environment for your horses.

How To Colour Stain Your New Stables

Learn how to choose a suitable wood stain for your stables, prepare the pressure-treated timber and achieve an even, lasting finish.

How To Choose Your Ideal Stable Block

Not sure which stable block layout is right for your property? Compare straight, L-shaped, U-shaped and E-shaped designs to find the best fit.