Preparing Stables for the Wet Season

Winter in Australia can bring cold, rainy and stormy weather and it is vital to prepare your stables ahead of time so they can stand up to the challenges of the winter season and provide your animals with adequate protection.

Here are some good tips for getting your stables sorted ahead of the rainy months:

Clean up the area around the stables

High winds and heavy rain can be damaging, so check there are no overhanging branches or dead trees near the stables which may be a safety hazard.  Cut back foliage where necessary and remove clutter and debris which could result in flooding.

Rainproof your stables

Removing debris is an important step in reducing the risk of flooding, but if your stables are in a high rainfall area, it’s a good idea to take further steps to rainproof your stables.  Work out where the excess water will flow and then dig small ditches to divert runoff and improve drainage in the event of heavy rain. 

Clean up guttering

 Gutters play a vital role in keeping water away from your stables and they need to be in good condition in order to do their job.  Ahead of winter, do a thorough gutter check, fix any damage and remove any debris or obstructions so that rainwater can flow through them easily and quickly.

Weatherproof the stable doors

The safety of your horses is paramount and they need the best protection from the elements that they can get.  Stable doors need to be corrosion-free and leakproof and need to withstand battering winds and storms - so it’s important to do a thorough check and fix any faults well ahead of the rainy season.

Rainproof the interior and exterior of the stables

The stables need to be waterproof to protect animals as well as feed.   If moisture gets into the feed, it can grow mould which can then cause colic and respiratory allergies in horses.   A horse’s skin can also scald when it’s exposed to heavy rain, so adequate shelter is crucial.  Inspect the interior and exterior of the stables for damage and fix any leaks and weak spots so that horses and feed stay dry when it rains.  If your stables are ageing or aren’t constructed from weather-resistant materials, you may need to paint them with a quality sealer.

Disaster plan

Natural disasters like cyclones, storms and floods can come virtually without warning, so make sure you have a comprehensive disaster plan in place which you can implement at a moment’s notice. This should include an emergency kit, an evacuation plan, fire extinguishers, identification markings on your horses and so on.  Advice on how to prepare a disaster plan is available from the Australian Veterinary Association.

Quality flooring is a must

Your stable flooring plays a crucial role in your horses’ health.  Given that your animals will be spending a considerable amount of time inside the stall during winter, it’s recommended that you install rubber mats for their comfort, safety and overall wellbeing.  These rubber pavers are especially useful to prevent slips and falls in muddy, high traffic areas and are also easy to clean and maintain.

These steps will help ensure that your stables and stalls remain dry and safe during the winter months, but if you have any other concerns or queries, get in touch with the experts in horse stable construction, Action Sheds.  They have been designing and constructing quality sheds, stables and arenas in Perth for many years and have earned a reputation around Australia for their superior workmanship, high quality and fully guaranteed products and responsive customer service.  Get in touch with them on 1300 778 628 or visit www.actionsheds.com.au to see their extensive range of custom-designed sheds and stables.