Activity 3.5: Horse Living Space Activity
(Five Key Elements of a Horse Shelter Design)
What would an efficient, safe and humane living space for a domestic animal look like? For this activity, complete one of the two options to propose and analyze a housing or shelter design for your horse.
NOTE: Before attempting to complete this activity you should do the following:
- Review the topics on horse health, care and protection earlier in this module to refresh your memory.
- Use the sample barn plans provided at the bottom of this page for ideas, inspiration and as general guides.
As you explore these resources, keep track of or highlight the elements and conditions that you think are most important.
You can use the “Activity Resources” materials provided below to help you complete this activity.
Option One: Propose Improvements
You have been hired to do an assessment of a horse barn and provide suggestions to improve the living space for the horses. Before you visit you are provided with the following scenario. What suggestions do you have to improve the living space for horses to make it more safe and humane based on the information you have been provided? (Use what you learned in the module and the Equine Code of Practice)
Scenario:
Horses are housed in stalls that are 2.5 m wide with partitions that reach the ceiling, allowing no social contact between the horses. A thin layer of shaving is provided for stall bedding, and is changed every two days. The flooring throughout the barn is smooth concrete. There is a slight smell of ammonia in the barn. The barn has small windows that let in a bit of natural light and an entrance that is designed for humans, but is also used by the horses.
Complete this activity in the Module 3 Booklet.
Option Two: Apply Your Experience
Instructions
1. Create a sketch or take a photograph of current housing or shelter you have/work with for your horse (use it to answer part 2).
2. Identify five key elements in your housing or shelter that ensure efficiency and/or safety. Identify how these elements related to the Code of Practice or other content found in this module.
Complete this activity in the Module 3 Booklet.
Remember to save!
Activity Resources
Check out these sample plans courtesy of Canada Plan Service. Click the links provided below the images to access the full plan.


