We do, too, and as we were looking through the forums and discussions we saw some common themes, so consider this the first in a series of articles about the various frustrations that the community has about stables, barns, and more.
The good news is that J&E Grill Manufacturing is listening, and we do our best to design and craft functional yet elegant, long-lasting products for barns and stalls that address these challenges. We can’t see the future, but we do read discussion forums about horses and the equestrian industry because it’s where we live, too.
The first area that always seems to get people fired up? Stall design. Everyone seems to have strong feelings about what is “the best”. From cramped spaces to poorly draining floors, the horse stall—your horse’s “home base”—can make or break their comfort and health both physically and mentally.
Let’s break down some of the most common stall complaints found in the wild — and see how better products and smarter designs can fix them.
1. “Stalls are too cramped — my horse can barely turn around!”
The complaint:
Horse owners repeatedly point out that undersized stalls cause unnecessary stress and even physical issues for horses. Common issues people mentioned were that smaller stalls weren’t ideal for resting horses, but only for short stays. Another challenge mentioned frequently was that maneuvering horses in smaller stalls is very difficult.
“Stalls smaller than 12×12 can be fine for occasional or casual use, like feeding…I find that stalls that aren’t at least 14×14 are annoying.” – r/Equestrian
How J&E solves it:
At J&E, every stall front, door, and divider is custom-made. If you bring building plans or a design to us, we’ll build the stall fronts and dividers you need to your specifications.
Need a bigger space for a warmblood? No problem. Building a cozy row of pony stalls? We’ve got you covered.
We believe you shouldn’t have to force your horses into a one-size-fits-all box — literally. This is also why we build stall partitions that can be opened or closed to help create larger stall spaces when you need them.
If you’re dealing with narrow aisleways or smaller stalls, switching to sliding doors on the stall fronts and fold-up feeding accessories like our Folding HayNet can help make more use of the space you have.
2. “My horse can’t see anyone. Solid walls stress them out!”
The complaint:
Full, solid partitions can cause horses to feel isolated, leading to pacing, cribbing, and other anxious behaviors. They also reduce overall air flow and inhibit good ventilation.
“If you really want ventilation, I would not build solid walls.” – Chronicle of the Horse Forums
How J&E solves it:
Grilled stall partitions and yoke gates help horses maintain important social connections while staying safe. As mentioned above we build adjustable mesh/grill partitions which provide full airflow, and we also offer grill partitions for half-solid walls which strike a great balance between aesthetics and function.
By offering both visibility and airflow, our open designs reduce stress and encourage calmer, healthier horses.
3. “My horse leans on the door — it’s already bent!”
The complaint:
Some horses love to lean, paw, or slam against stall doors — and cheaper doors just don’t hold up.
“I’ve had to replace multiple stall doors because my gelding pushes hard on them. Total waste of money.” – Chronicle of the Horse Forums
How J&E solves it:
J&E’s stall doors are built with strength at the core.
We use heavy-duty tubular aluminum frames, reinforced welding, and precision-fit hardware to handle real-world barn abuse. Whether it’s a playful nudge or a full-weight lean from a draft horse, our doors hold their shape and stay functional — no constant repairs, no costly replacements.
4. “My horse eats the walls. He chews everything!”
The complaint:
Bored horses and weak materials are a bad combo. Chewed-up walls aren’t just ugly — they’re dangerous.
How J&E solves it:
Our stall fronts, doors, and grill partitions are crafted with heavy-duty tubular aluminum frames, powder-coated for extra durability. For the wood sections of stall partitions we offer chew-guards to prevent horses from chewing up the edges of partitions and doors.
That means no exposed wood edges for chewing, and much longer life for your barn investment.
5. “Feed doors are a pain to use.”
The complaint:
Feed doors placed too high, too heavy to operate, or are poorly designed become a daily headache (and a potential injury risk). Other concerns revolve around rough finishes from some manufacturers which can cut owners or horses if not installed or made properly.
How J&E solves it:
We offer optional integrated feeder doors and yoke openings that are built at practical, customizable heights using strong, but lightweight materials — making feeding safer, faster, and easier, whether you’re working solo or with a crew.
Final Thought: Smarter Stalls, Happier Horses
Every barn owner wants a clean, safe, and functional setup. Every horse deserves a stall that feels like home. At J&E Grill Manufacturing, we build with the horse — and the horse owner — in mind. Ultimately, we love horses as much as you do, and that passion is at the heart of our designs and our finished product.
Whether you are refitting existing stalls or a barn, or you’re building a new facility it’s definitely worth having a conversation with our team. You will quickly see why so many have chosen to work with J&E Grill Manufacturing over the years, and why we’re confident that we have practical answers to many of the concerns out there for stall design.
Are you ready to design stalls that work better from day one? Explore our custom stall options here and be sure to contact us for more information.