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Discussion on Safety of Dutch Doors
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Member:
remmi
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 6, 2008 - 9:48 am:
I am building my first horse barn this summer and am trying to decide if I should use Dutch Doors? I like the idea, but are they safe? I know of a few situations where horses have tried to jump through the top opening. How risky are they?
Half of the stalls in my new barn will have walk outs, so during much of the year the doors would be open and the horse can decide for himself if he wants to be in or out. So on those stalls, do I really need Dutch doors, as I wouldn't have the top half open in the cold weather anyway, so is there a benefit?
If I didn't go with Dutch Doors, what kind of door should I use?
I live in Northern Illinois so we do have serious winters and hot muggy summers. The horses will be turned out all day every day.
Any thoughts out there?
Thanks much!
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 6, 2008 - 10:15 am:
Hi Heidi,
You can always put a stall guard up for the very rare horse that will go over a dutch door. Otherwise, they are wonderful for ventilation and horse happiness when you have to shut the door. As long as you don't lock someone in alone, they usually handle the doors well, and seem to like looking out. Don't forget to put a good overhang on the eave so you can shelter an open top, create shade, etc..
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - 12:53 am:
Elizabeth is right. Sometimes in the winter, I keep the horses stalled during a cold rain or very windy or icy conditions. They take it in stride and seem to enjoy hanging their heads out of their stalls.
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Member:
remmi
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 8, 2008 - 1:44 pm:
Thanks Elizabeth and Lee - that all makes sense. I talked to the manufacturer of the Dutch doors and they could make the bottom door a little taller for not much extra cost. My horses are tall. Do you have any thoughts on what height would be best for the bottom door for a 16.3 tall horse? Their standard height is 48 inches for the the bottom and 7 feet tall for the total height of the door.
I appreciate your feedback!
Heidi
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 8, 2008 - 4:21 pm:
Hi Heidi,
Here is a photo of a 16.2hh mare looking over my dutch doors. She's standing back a ways, so it isn't quite as short as it looks. But they tend to do that. The bottom door section itself measures about 49", but it's mounted to clear the 2x10 greenboard that runs along the bottom of the barn. From her hooves to the top of the bottom half of the door (if you follow) measures about 55", which is the effective barrier height to her.
So it depends on how that door is mounted.
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