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There’s a flood of information out there about equine housing and designing or building stables, but most of it assumes you’ve been around horses for decades or have an unlimited budget. If you’re new to owning a horse, or just stepping into rural life, knowing what to think abut when planning, choosing the right size stable and where or how to set it up are some of the most important decisions you’ll make.
We have put together one of the most comprehensive guides to buying a horse stable on the internet! Covering almost everything you need to know or think about before deciding on your first horse stable.
What’s in this article? (Expand for Table of Contents)
What Size Stable Do I Actually Need?
Size matters, but not in the way most people think. Bigger isn’t always better. The right stable gives your horse enough room to move, lie down, and feel safe, without wasting money or materials.
| Standard 4m x 4m Stable | Best for single horses and hobby use. It’s compact but provides ample space for most riding breeds. – Comfortable size for rest and turn-around – Entry-level price point – Easy to expand later |
| Large 5m x 4m Stable | Ideal for One chunky horse or two ponies short-term. Great if you’ve got a chunky breed like a Clydie cross or want a bit of gear in the corner. – More room to move – Ideal for gear corner or tack hooks – Great middle-ground size |
| XL/Maternity 5m x 5m Stable | Built for big units. Perfect for foaling, larger breeds, or if you want flexibility down the track. It can also double as partial storage space. – Extra room for vet care or storage – Flexible for future use |
💡 Tip: If you plan to expand your horse family or add extras like a tack room later, go up a size or look at modular stables that can grow with you.
✅ Good to Know: Our 4x4m standalone stable starts at $4500, while the 5x5m setup starts from $7500. All come site-ready with delivery advice included.
Stable Setup – Compressive Basics for First-Time Owners
Buying your first stable isn’t just a matter of throwing a shed on your paddock and calling it done. It’s about layout, flow, welfare, and long‑term practicality. You need to ask the right questions up front to avoid costly problems later
Your design and placement choices affect your horse’s health, your workload and the value of your investment.
Finding the best Location and position on Your Property
Ensure easy access for deliveries, vet visits and emergencies.
Your stable isn’t just for horses, it’s a hub for everything from feed delivery to emergency vet care. If a float, truck or service ute can’t safely reach your stable in all weather, you’ve got a problem. Plan for:
- A solid entry track that won’t bog in the wet
- Clear turning space for large vehicles
- Access points wide enough for float or trailer
- Emergency access, because horses don’t get sick on your schedule
Tip: If you’re not sure your site allows for this, send us a photo or call for layout advice before you build.
Know your prevailing winds, and work with them.
Prevailing winds can either cool your stable or turn it into a wind tunnel. Get it wrong and you’ll be dealing with flapping feed bins, wet bedding, or a spooked horse every time the southerly picks up.
- Face doors away from dominant winds if you want to reduce chill and sideways rain
- Use solid end panels or adjustable vents to block strong gusts
- Leave airflow paths (vents, mesh tops, ridge gap) to allow heat to escape naturally
Done right, this creates a, breathable stable, without compromising shelter.
Leave room for access, future gear, horses and upgrades.
Think ahead. Even if you’re only housing one horse today, most first-time buyers end up wanting:
- A second bay for a mate, foal or pony
- A secure tack/feed room
- Wash down or vet check space
- Shade zones, tie-up rails or
- Undercover ride in space or a breezeway
So while one 4x4m bay might be enough now, don’t box yourself in. Leave space between your stable and trees, fences or sheds. Even though our stables can be moved, You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to expand.
Choose high ground for drainage and safety.
Where you place your stable matters more than most first-time owners realise. A low, boggy site becomes a health hazard fast, especially in Queensland storms. Even without a slab, building on a slight rise or well-drained slope helps water run off and keeps the structure stable.
Your site should slope 1, 2% away from the stable. Use compacted gravel edges or low retaining to keep runoff moving. If your paddock tends to get wet, raised gravel pads or compacted road base over a shaped slope are your best bet. Not only does it protect hooves and flooring, but it reduces ongoing maintenance. Never let water flow into your stable.
️Choosing a Foundation and Planning Your Site
We’ve built hundreds of stables on all sorts of foundations, and most owners don’t need a slab. What you do need is good drainage, proper prep, and the right base for your site conditions.
You don’t always need concrete, but you do need to plan properly.
Check out our Stable Site Prep Guide with downloadable resources to guide you through pre-quote planning and build design decisions – or contact Guerilla Steel team to get help before you order.
Concrete works great in high-traffic areas or wash bays. But for most stable builds, a compacted road base is more affordable, easier to install, and offers plenty of support. It also drains better in many rural conditions, especially on sloped or sandy sites. The key is choosing the right foundation for your ground type, budget, and stable use. Here’s a high-level breakdown:
| Foundation Option | Pros | Cons | How to Make It Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | Durable, easy to clean, best for wash bays | Expensive, can sweat under mats, harder to alter later | Use with slope and drainage, seal edges, and add mats for comfort |
| Compacted gravel pad | Affordable, drains well, easier for DIY | Needs proper edging and compaction | Use road base with fines, slope slightly for runoff |
| Grass base | Cheapest option, natural look | Bog-prone, can become uneven or muddy | Only use on firm, level, well-drained ground |
| Existing concrete slab | Fastest option if already available | Must be structurally sound and flat | Send photos, we can assess if it’s suitable |
Plan your sites services before you finalise your foundation and design.
Plan services and trenches early, so you don’t have to cut through your base down the track. Mark out service lines as part of your planning. Before you lock in your foundation, think about:
- Where will water lines run?
- Do you need power for lights or cameras?
- Will you want a tap, trough or hot wash later?
Prepare to Anchor! Don’t Let Your Stable Walk
So now we have the foundation and our stable wont sink into the mud, we need to anchor – No, not for the boat, we mean for your stable! While anchors are optional, if you’re building on grass or gravel, we strongly recommend them. They prevent movement in high winds and protect your investment. It’s a cheap insurance policy. One bad storm or windy day can move or tip an unanchored structure. Our anchoring kits:
- Drive deep into natural ground or road base
- Can be installed with augured concreted holes for extra strength
- Cost just $100 per stable bay
Planning & Permits: What to Check Before You Build
Before building a stable in Queensland or northern NSW, it’s essential to check local regulations to avoid compliance headaches. Rules vary by council, but here are the key points:
- Minimum Property Size: Many QLD councils (Gold Coast, Mackay, Brisbane) require a minimum lot size usually 4,000 m²to keep horses. NSW rules depend on zoning and some properties need special approval.
- Animal Permits: You’ll likely need a livestock permit, especially on smaller properties or in residential zones. Commercial use (riding schools, agistment) may need extra licensing or a development application.
- Development , Zoning, Use & Building Approval: Any permanent stable structure may require a development application (DA) or building permit. Stables are typically allowed in rural and rural-residential zones. Urban zones may prohibit or restrict stables unless they’re in an equestrian precinct or meet exemption criteria.
- Fencing & Containment: Most councils mandate safe, secure fencing, often with minimum height requirements.
Environmental & Biosecurity Considerations
If your property is near waterways, creeks, or environmentally sensitive zones, expect to show:
- A waste management plan (for manure and runoff).
- Drainage plans that prevent contaminated runoff from reaching natural areas.
- Plans for pest and weed control, especially for commercial operations.
- Some councils may request a biosecurity plan for agistment yards or multi-horse setups.
Large or commercial setups may also need other control measures and Emergency and disease management plans.
Stable Design Ventilation and Airflow options
Airflow isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a horse health and hygiene one. Horses need fresh air to stay in top shape. Poor ventilation leads to ammonia build-up, heat stress, and respiratory problems. Our stables solve this with Ventilation and Airflow design choices:
- Mesh-top panels let fresh air and natural light in while reducing the ‘shut-in’ feel
- Taller Panel frames – A higher roofline allow hot air to rise and escape, creating a cooler zone at horse height. Optional Pitched roof upgrades can improve circulation too.
- Panel combinations (mesh, ply, full or half) give you the flexibility to block wind or rain where needed, without shutting down airflow entirely.
Safer and Calmer Horses with Natural Light
Horses see well in daylight, but poor lighting makes them uneasy, especially in confined spaces. It also impacts your workflow when feeding, mucking out, or checking injuries. Here’s how we get it right:
- Mesh or open-top panels allow daylight to flow through the stable
- Position entries and overhangs to reduce harsh afternoon sun but maximise morning light
- Avoid dark sheds, they create shadowy, high-stress environments for horses
Natural light makes a stable safer, calmer, and easier to work in. If you need extra lighting, we can pre-plan for wiring and LED installs.
Plan for Wind and Rain, Not Just Sunshine
Your stable has to stand up to real Aussie conditions, not just the good days. Think wind, sideways rain, flash storms, and the occasional freak gust.
Built-In Rain Runoff with Protections That Shield Wind Without Trapping Heat
Our stables are designed for fewer drips, drier bedding, and no muddy entrances. Every Guerilla Steel stable comes with:
- 900mm roof overhang at the front to keep entry dry and reduce mud
- 100mm rear overhang for controlled water runoff
- Option to upgrade to 900mm roof eaves all around for full perimeter protection
- Pitched roof design that sheds rain fast and keeps heat from pooling
Choose panels that hield Wind Without Trapping
- Use full ply panels on the side that cops the weather
- Face stable openings away from dominant winds if possible
- Mix mesh and ply to balance airflow and shelter
Steel Panel Combinations for your stable design
We’ve already covered how panel combinations affect wind, rain and airflow, but the right mix also helps with workflow, privacy, and horse wellbeing. Guerilla Steel stables are modular, and you can choose the layout and panel types that suit your horses and your block. You choose any combination and place them strategically:
- End and side panels shield against weather
- Rear panels protect from rain
- Internal dividers can be full ply for anxious or recovering horses
- Extra gate panels allow dual access or custom entry points
| Combination | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Full Mesh Panel top to bottom | Maximum visibility & airflow | Light, breathable, good for calm horses | Offers little wind or privacy block |
| Full Ply Panel privacy and wind protection | High wind areas, privacy needs | Strong, blocks rain and wind, helps with anxious horses | Blocks air and light |
| Half Mesh / Half Ply most popular choice | Balanced option for most sites | Airflow up top, kick protection below, versatile | Slightly less private |
| Extra Gate Panel | Flexible access, vet or float setups | Dual entry, flow management | Adds minor cost |
| Full Ply Internal Divider | Rehab or anxious horses | Solid barrier, reduces visual stress and kicking risks | Reduces airflow between stalls |
Choose Functional Gates with Secure Access
Your stable’s gates will be one of the most used, most critical parts of your setup. They need to be safe, strong, and functional. That’s why every Guerilla Steel base model includes a half-height swing gate as standard. No flimsy latches. No expensive add-ons just to get started.
| Gate Type | Best For | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Height Swing Gate | Everyday use, first-time builds | Included standard, simple and strong, great for general use |
| Yoke Gate | Sociable horses, reducing stall stress | Taller Gates, lets horses see out safely, practical design touch |
| Dutch-Style Doors | Extra airflow, social horses | Top half opens independently for ventilation and visibility |
| Anti-Rearing Sliders | High-stress stables, stallions, rehab | Prevents escape or injury, smooth sliding action |
| Full-Height Barn Doors | Maximum coverage with ventilation | Made with mesh and ply combo for strength + airflow |
| Dual Gate Access | Flexible layout, vet access, grooming | Add entry points on multiple sides for safer handling |
If you want something different? We’ve got you covered. We design for studs, trainers, and first-time hobby farms alike. Just let us know how you work, we’ll build the gate to match. All our gates are:
- Built from heavy-duty steel
- Fully welded and reinforced
- Made to survive Aussie horses and harsh weather
- Customisable with colours or full-panel spans
Roofing, Gutters and Run Off,
The right stable roof doesn’t just keep the rain out, it protects your horses, supports ventilation, reduces mud, and keeps your entire setup running smoother. Every Guerrilla Steel stable comes with a smart, durable roofing system, and optional upgrades that make a big difference in tough Aussie conditions. All upgrades are modular and cleanly integrated.
Standard Roof: Built to Breathe and Last
- 2.4 m height creates space for heat to rise, keeping horses cooler
- Monoclad® steel sheeting resists harsh sun, rain, and wind
- 900 mm front overhang gives shade and keeps water off entries
- 100 mm rear overhang directs runoff away from the structure
Optional Roofing Upgrades
| Option | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 m Rear Overhang | Adds extra shade and rain protection to the rear | Wet paddocks, exposed rear entries |
| Front Roof Pitch Frame | Increases slope for better water runoff | Heavy rain zones, water catchment setups |
| Side Roof Extension | Creates covered areas for tie-ups, walkways, gear | Yards, grooming, tack access |
Gutters & Runoff: Keep Water Where You Want It
Roofing is half the equation, drainage is the rest. Bad runoff causes mud, hoof issues, and long-term damage to stables and gear. Gutters and run off control like the the 100mm rear overhang help:
- Prevent water pooling at doors, gateways, and tie-ups
- Protect slabs and posts from erosion and undermining
- Enable tank-ready water capture for troughs or reuse
Place downpipes away from high-traffic zones like gates and tie-ups, and direct runoff to paddock drains, gravel swales, or water tanks to keep your site clean, dry, and horse-safe.
Stable Maintenance for Steel Horse Barns
Steel stables are built tough, but even the best need regular care. Think of your stable like a working vehicle: routine checks and simple upkeep keep it safe, secure, and cost-effective long-term.
- Routine Inspection and Cleaning: Walk the stable and check for wear or misalignment, or anything a horse could get caught on. Clean stalls regularly and keep gutters and roof areas clear.
- Steel and Coating Check: Inspect exposed steel and welds every 6–12 months for rust, scratches, or coating damage. Touch up with DuraGal-compatible paint as needed.
- Kick and Impact Damage: Look for dents, cracks, or loosened fixings from horse contact, especially on doors, gates, and dividing panels.
- Flooring and Drainage: Check for pooling water, lifted mats, or worn flooring. Clear drains and avoid moisture build-up around posts.
- Ventilation and Condensation: Monitor for condensation on roofing and purlins. Improve airflow or insulation if needed to avoid drips and corrosion.
- Seasonal Structural Checks: After storms or extreme weather, inspect roof fixings, bracing, and structural lines for any movement or wear.
- Horse Safety Fixtures: Ensure tie-up rails, anti-rear bars, and latch points are firm, safe, and not damaged by pressure or repeated use.
- Pest and Rodent Control: Regularly clean feed and storage areas to prevent infestations that can damage insulation or wiring – see below for our detailed “Rodents & Pest Control” section.
Maintenance Tips for Rodents & Pest Control: Seal, Store, and Stay Clean
Steel stables give you a big advantage over timber when it comes to pest resistance, but they’re not rodent-proof without the right detailing. Steel can’t be chewed, and unlike timber, it’s immune to termites.
But good pest control depends on your build: close the gaps, protect the ply, and keep the area clean. Horses and feed attract unwanted visitors, so smart design and good habits make all the difference. Rodents damage ply, steal feed, and spread disease. Worse, horses can panic from sudden movement or sounds behind walls.
What to Do
- Seal the Gaps: Use sealant, metal flashing, or rodent mesh where ply meets the steel frame or slab. Mice only need a 6 mm gap.
- Cap the Ply: Cover the top edge of 17 mm ply with steel trim to stop ledge buildup and discourage gnawing.
- Secure Your Feed: Use sealed metal or heavy-duty plastic bins with lids. Don’t store feed bags against ply or unsealed corners.
- Cut Back Cover: Keep grass and weeds trimmed around the stable perimeter, no cover, no rodent highways.
- Trap Smart: Place traps or bait stations where walls meet floors, especially in corners and feed zones. Use horse-safe, tamper-proof options.
- Inspect Regularly: Look for gnaw marks, droppings, or nests behind bins, under panels, and around service entries.
Tack & Storage for Gear, Accessories and Other Modular Addons
Adding during the main build is cleaner, quicker, and cheaper. Drainage and layout align perfectly, and your daily gear workflow improves. Start with what you need now, but plan for future expansion. Add bays, tack rooms, or wash bays as your horse family or gear grows.
Modular means you can add more stables and storage Later
Starting with one horse? You might think one stall is enough. But we’ve seen time and time again, buyers get a second horse or want a foaling space. Modular stables are a smart move. You can start with a single bay and add another later.
- A typical tack room is 4m x 2m x 2.5m. You can also convert a full bay for larger setups.
- Fit-Out Options: Portable lockers work well in shared or open-front spaces.
| Item | What it is | You need this when… |
| Rails & Fencing | Sturdy steel rails or fences for creating secure yards, walkways, or boundaries. | You want safe horse movement or clear boundaries between yards and paddocks. |
| Tack Rooms | A secure, enclosed space to store saddles, bridles, tools, and gear. | You’re accumulating expensive gear and want it organised and protected. |
| Feed Rooms | A storage area for bulk feed, supplements, and grain, often with vermin-resistant features. | You buy feed in bulk or need safe, weatherproof feed access near your stable. |
| Wash Bays | An area with water drainage for hosing down horses after work or during hot weather. | You groom, cool down, or bathe horses regularly—especially in hot or muddy conditions. |
| Breeze Ways | A covered walkway between bays that improves airflow and provides shaded access. | You’re planning a central aisle layout or want shade and weather protection between modules. |
| Day Yards | Small turnout areas adjacent to the stable for short-term exercise or isolation. | You need to give horses yard time without full paddock turnout, or when recovering or isolating. |
DIY vs Professional Install
Our flat-pack stable kits are designed for horse owners and easy DIY build. With welded frame panels, no on-site cut or welding is requires. Our clear instructions and phone support means most builds take just a day with two people and basic tools.
You’ve got three clear installation paths. Each works, just depends on your time, budget, and comfort level.
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| DIY Build | Budget-conscious owners with basic tools and time | Lowest cost, full control, fast build, expandable | Needs time and basic DIY confidence |
| GS Install Team | Buyers wanting a turnkey solution in service areas | Professional install, no physical effort, safe and correct setup | Higher cost, may have wait time, zone limited |
| Hire Local Builder | Buyers outside GS service zones who want pro help | Local knowledge, flexible timing, support available | Quality varies by builder, may need coordination |
What First-Time Owners Often Get Wrong
- Going Too Small: A cramped stable is hard to clean, bad for horse health, and ends up needing an upgrade faster than you think.
- Ignoring Weather: Sunshine Coast humidity is not the same as Toowoomba frost. We build with airflow, shelter, and drainage in mind, no cookie-cutter solutions.
- Cheap kits from big-box stores might look affordable upfront, but they often take longer to build, aren’t site-ready, and need modifications just to be usable.
Ours are different. We fully weld all panels in our workshop, so when you order a flatpack from us, you’re getting heavy-duty, reinforced panels that are ready to bolt together on-site no guesswork, no flimsy framing, no cutting corners. You can choose to:
- Install it yourself with simple instructions and all hardware included, or
- Have it professionally installed by the Guerilla Steel team fast, clean, and done right.
Either way, it’s a proper steel stable, not a shed with horse signage slapped on it.
A Guerilla Steel Heavy-Duty DIY Stable Kit for Harsh Conditions
This client came to us after bad experiences with other stable companies, needing a structure that could survive extreme weather. Their property sits on an exposed highland block, regularly hit by strong winds, snow, and horizontal rain.
We delivered a heavy-duty flatpack 5x4m steel stable kit, reinforced for these conditions. The walls combined tough ply kick panels with black-painted mesh for visibility and airflow. Every component -bolts, screws, brackets, was supplied and clearly labelled. The kit even included black steel touch-up paint, so they could customise and weatherproof panels on site.
Despite the robust design, the stable was easy to install. With step-by-step instructions and support just a phone call away, the couple built it themselves over a weekend. They even used the extra paint to colour-match the mesh panels to the rest of their setup – a smart, stylish bonus.
The result? A solid, secure shelter that’s weathered storms and frost with ease. The couple was so happy with the experience, they’re already planning their next project with us.
Solid Advice for a Solid Stable Build.
We build bigger and taller than most, and there’s a reason. Aussie weather is brutal, and horses need airflow. All our stables come with a 2.4m roof height and a 900mm roof overhang for extra protection from rain, sun, and sideways storms. Plus, we include a 100mm rear overhang for water runoff.
Compare that to some off-the-shelf sheds with 2m walls and no shelter, it’s a no-brainer. Our kick panels are built tough and made to last. We also include a straight, half-height swing gate as standard in every base model. It’s simple, sturdy, and gets you started without needing upgrades straight away.
Standard
4m x 4m
Portable Horse Stable
Large
5m x4m
Custom Horse Shelter
XL/Maternity
5m x 5m
Premium Stable
Because everything we build is modular, you don’t need to spend big all at once, but you do get a stable that’s future-ready from day one. We’ll give you honest advice and make sure you’re not wasting money or time. Whether you’re after one stall or planning a full setup, we’ve got options that work with your site, budget, and plans.
Need Help Choosing? Message Us!
Contact us today to start planning a stable that keeps your horses safe and calm and saves money where it counts.
Build smart, Build Bigger and Build Stronger with Guerilla Steel
