06/15/2026
Let’s talk about stall panel design! And specifically, design considerations for selecting solid materials versus mesh or bars.
▪️Solid Materials provide the most traditional appearance and can be accomplished with a multitude of materials: wood, HDPE-boards or panels, masonry, and so on. We typically recommend solid, easily cleanable materials at stall partitions (between stalls) in facilities or specific stalls where biosecurity is critical and horses cannot touch each other, as well as at feeding and watering areas to reduce resource guarding. Apart from unique instances, such as those listed above, we typically recommend more open options (listed below) when possible.
▪️Mesh is what we most often recommend! You can put fully welded, lower- (heavier-) gauge mesh anywhere on any stall panel for increased ventilation, visibility, and socialization, but it’s most typical on stall fronts. Mesh allows for airflow throughout the entire stall, providing fresh, cool air and pulling odors up and out, making it easy for people to see in *and* for horses to see out, which is more comfortable, and encourages socialization for horses between stalls. It’s important to note that not all mesh is created equal, so it’s important to ensure a heavy gauge and 2” minimum spacing to reduce the risk of a horse getting a foot through.
▪️Bars are something we recommend for upper portions of stall panels only! They provide many of the same benefits as mesh above, but improper spacing, size, and gauge can allow a horse’s foot to get caught. Bars in lower areas of stalls is possible, but you *must* ensure that your stall manufacturer is experienced and provides proper design and materials.
What we’d recommend ultimately comes down to the type of facility – private barns versus veterinary clinics versus large-scale event facilities – which influences factors such as biosecurity needs, amount of time spent in a stall, maintenance considerations, amount of socialization that is safe, and so on. We make recommendations based on a combination of over 50 years of experience designing equine facilities, personal experience as equestrians, and constantly educating ourselves on best practices.
