How Much Does A Horse Stable Cost To Build in 2021

Just like us, horses need shelter. They need a safe place where they can go to rest at the end of a long run, where they’ll be kept warm and dry, and where they can stay cool on hot summer days. 

Investing in an appropriate shelter for your horse, such as a stable, will reap you many great returns in the long run. Not only will it improve the health, longevity and happiness of your horses, it also has the added benefit of providing you with an undercover space for grooming and storage. 

If you’re lucky enough to have the space on your property to house your equine friends then you’ll no doubt be looking to weigh up the costs of building a horse stable against the potential costs of boarding your horses elsewhere. In many cases, upfront investment in a shelter can save you a lot of money down the road and will see the monthly cost of maintaining your horses reduced. 

While the overall cost of your stables will depend on your specific requirements, you can generally expect to spend a minimum of around $25,000 for a basic block. In some cases this cost can be lower for simple prefabricated kits but more complicated set-ups will run you a much higher cost. For example, an elaborate multiple horse stable block designed for commercial purposes can easily cost north of $100,000. Below are a few of the key factors that may influence that cost. 

Land area and property rights

One of the biggest determinants of your horse stable building cost is whether or not you own the land. If you don’t yet own any land that you can use for your stables, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of buying or leasing the space you need for your building project. In most cases, purchasing land is the most cost-effective option, although it will require a larger upfront investment initially and can add a lot to the total cost of building your stables. Leasing may be a more attractive option in areas where land is particularly expensive. 

The location and topography of the land you choose to build on will also influence costs. You’ll need to take into consideration expenses such as completing the earthworks for your building site and for connecting electricity and plumbing to the area. In rural areas the cost of installing these services can be higher. 

You may also be wondering if you need planning permission for a horse stable. Council approvals and permits to build new structures on properties are an added cost that many people overlook when initially budgeting for a building project. Whether or not you require permission will depend on your local council. 

Horse sizes and breeds

Horse stable building costs can be influenced by the size and shape of the horses you’re planning to house. Horses can vary dramatically in size from one breed to another and so you’ll need to think about how much space they’ll need to move around comfortably. A small pony breed is going to need a lot less room than a Clydesdale horse. At a minimum, you should allow for each horse to have at least 3.6 x 3.6 metres of space. 

Design features

Horse stable costs will vary based on form and functionality. Some horse owners will choose to opt for the basics or focus on practical features, whilst others may choose to factor aesthetics into their budget. The cost of a simple shed structure or a classic barn-style stable will be very different to the cost of a fully customised block with state-of-the-art equipment. Below are some of the main design features you should keep in mind when calculating your costs.

Storage: If you choose to designate extra areas in the floorplan of your new stable for equipment storage or grooming, then your costs will likely increase. Many horse owners do choose to build a storeroom inside their stable block as they provide easy and convenient access to accessories, cleaning supplies and feed. 

Flooring: Another cost to consider is flooring and drainage. Most stables will be built with non-slip concrete as it’s easy to keep clean, but it won’t drain on its own so it’s necessary to have drainage in place or access to a hose for regular spray downs. 

Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is of equal importance and in the hot Australian climate you may find that you need to invest in a climate control system to keep your horses cool year-round. 

Lighting: Lighting is an often forgotten design feature early in the planning stages of a new stable but it’s not something that should be overlooked. Horses need good light levels to stay comfortable and happy. Nobody wants to spend all day in darkness, so it’s important that you factor the need for both natural lighting and light installation into the cost of your build – you’ll also want to budget for the ongoing cost of electricity. 

Kickboards: Kickboards are an important safety feature that should be included as a part of your total horse stable cost. Most horses will kick when bored or stressed and they can injure themselves when they do, kickboards can help to protect them from injury and prevent damage from occurring inside your new stables. 

Mesh windows: Another safety feature worth budgeting for is mesh protection on your windows. A kicking horse may shatter the glass in the windows of your stable, potentially leaving you with both a damage bill and an injured horse. Protecting your windows with mesh could save you a lot of money further down the track. 

If you’re looking to build a stable to meet your needs, then get in touch with us today. We’re a leading Perth stable builder specialising in custom designs and solutions. Our expert team has the capability to design and build stables of any size and complexity at extremely competitive prices. 

Our affordable Durastall stables are built to stand the test of time. They’re made from galvanised steel for superior rust protection and are designed to either be freestanding within an existing building or incorporated into another structure. Contact us for your free quote today!