Building a wash rack for 3 horses on cement slab with pipe railing, any suggestions?

Question

Already have water line with spiget.

Answer 1

Been there, Done that, here is what I learned. Even the best trained and most gentle horse will act up some time, whether from fly bite, bee sting, or just no one knows what goes on in an animals mind. Plan for the unexpected and save yourself and the horse from injury.

A. 1 1/2 inch galvanized pipe works well, welding the pipe post and the pipe rails works best. It also makes a sturdy hitch for the lead rope.

B. Space the pipe rails close enough together the horse won't put a leg through them. Make the railing at least as high as the horses chest to prevent the horse from trying to climb over it.

C. Make sure that the water spigot and hose are protected so the horse won't injure itself on them. Put the spigot at least a couple of feet outside the wash stall and put a tall pipe or post next to it. Makes it convenient to hang the hose on also.

D. Concrete must be gently sloping for good water drainage and easy clean up. Do not pour the concrete pad level.

E. Buy 1 inch thick rubber mats to put on the concrete so the horse won't slip. Steel horse shoes and wet concrete equals a horse down.

F. Give your horse a treat while in the wash stall so the horse associates the wash stall with something other than being hosed down.

Answer 2

If you use pipe, make sure there are no sharp edges from welding slag.

Think about double use for the piping for the stall, have holes drilled in for sprinklers for rinsing down the horses with gentle water.

Think about a water softener for the horses.

Think about a water heater so you can use it during cool weather.

Drainage concerns along with floor slippage, you nor your horse would like to slip on a slick floor nor would you or your horse want to stand in water.

Answer 3

Obviously drain off is an issue. The construction you describe is relatively easy.

Certainly low enough to be comfortable for the step up and if the horse happens to step off while being washed without injury. That applies to you as well. River rock dug in a trench surrounding the unit will help. Galvanized threaded plumbing pipe will work and not need welding, just 90 degree elbows.

I've owned horses and "mucked" a lot of stalls and have one final suggestion. I can't know what you use in your stalls if you have them,,,as flooring, but I had rubber mats with holes in, Kind of like whats used behind bars for safety mats.

Happy sudsing.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

12x29 use 2" pipe 2" rails,space 4' x 9'. Use footers no slab. a slab is slip and slide. Upright pipe use 5". find a good welder.

Answer 5

Number one rule with a horse--never make a pet out of something that out weighs you 10 to one--if your horses are trained you can wash them anywhere with a hose and a bit of soap and a scrub brush.
How do I know this--old lady that has been a horse person since the age of 4!!

Answer 6

Sell the horses.