PENNY Wallace, senior equine lecturer, explains why Writtle College chose Passmores and Monarch for its stabling

"WHEN Writtle diversified into equine studies and wanted a small block of stables that could be extended when the time was right, we found that Passmores suited our needs, as the stables were of a good quality and gave us the option to extend.

"We worked with Passmores on air quality and ventilation in the stables. A variety of air vent systems was used and each stable had a window and a gap at the top of the back wall under the eves of the roof. At either end of each block, we added a louvered air vent, allowing air to flow through the entire row.

"In the summer months one row of stables caught the sun more as the light was reflected off the sand school behind them. The boxes became very hot and a solution was needed. We planted a row of trees behind the stables, which sheltered them.

"When the stables were first built, we had a light in every other one. This proved unsatisfactory and we quickly changed to having a light in every stable.

"Apart from the yearly steam clean and painting.with wood preserver, outlay on this yard has been very low. The college laid the concrete base and damp course, which left Passmores to erect the structures. It took two-three weeks to build 12 stables.

"Some years later, we built an internal block. We used a portal framed building and then contacted Monarch to erect 10 stables. This only took three-four days. We chose partitions with wooden bottoms and metal bars on the top. However, we then ran into problems with horses fighting continuously. We boarded up the top half to form a more traditional stable, with just th~ front open for the horses to see out.

"Learning from past mistakes, we included skylights in the internal building roof and used double pairs of fluorescent strip lights.

"Monarch Stables are very cost-effective and were the best value for money. We left room for expansion and Monarch was more than happy to return and make adjustments.

"We had very good aftercare from Passmores and Monarch Stabling. Both companies were very flexible."

Costs involved:
Passmores: £1,000 per stable (base extra) Monarch building: £32,000 to include the external building, internal partitions, water and electricity.