As a horse lover, it is likely that you have visited dozens of barns. In those barns, we can guarantee that you have touch, felt, and seen numerous types of horse stalls.
Across the United States, it is likely that you have seen more sliding horse stalls than a hinged horse stall. Sliding horse stalls are, after all, more common in most horse barns. As a casual observer, it is easy to skip over the sliding horse stall's hardware.
That being said, it is the hardware that often differentiates an excellent sliding horse stall from one that is subpar. Why is that? It's because the hardware is usually what determines whether your doors function properly. Any horse rider, trainer, or owner can attest to this.
We have all been in a barn where the horse stall doors gets stuck in the track. We then have to use all of our bodyweight (and more) to get that sliding stall door to move. We have also seen or had door latches that are not safe nor functional. Many of our horses are escape artists and that's why we often have to ensure the latches are safe, strong, and properly designed.
When it comes to American Stalls sliding horse stalls, we only use the best hardware. Our selection in hardware is intended to:
- Make sure that your horse stall door's trolleys glide effortlessly
- Make sure that your horse stall door slides without making extra noise
- Make sure that your overhead track system is self cleaning to ensure nothing builds up in it.
- Make sure that your latch is strong and well designed to stay in place when the horse stall door is locked
- Make sure that your latch is located in a place where your horse cannot access it.
Whether you are considering our sliding horse stalls or looking to simply change your existing stall's hardware, we have the best hardware for you. Below is an overview of our hardware for our sliding horse stall systems:
One of the most important components of your sliding horse stalls is the track system. This track system includes the track, two trolleys, and other mounting hardware.
Horse owners usually experience issues with their stall doors due to poor track design and not-so-great trolleys. Many companies will use a round track that does not have a "self cleaning design." Additionally, many sliding horse stall doors will include trolleys made from hard plastic or metal. These materials, in your trolleys, will break down overtime and make it difficult for you to slide your doors.
That is why we use only hard delrin balls in our trolleys. This particular material ensures that your rollers and trolleys work for decades. Lastly, our sliding track has a self cleaning design. This design reduces the build up of debris (i.e. dust, insects, etc) inside the track. Rest assured, our track and trolley systems will allow you to effortlessly use your doors, as intended, for years to come.
The next two components that are important are your sliding stall door's door stops and door guides. The door stop helps "catch" and stop the sliding stall door. This works in tandem with a bolt inserted in your overhead track to ensure that your sliding stall door stays safely on the track. The door guide ensures that your door does not push into the aisle when your horses leans against the door.
When it comes to door guides, many horse owners are used to a roller door guide. American Stalls does not offer this door guide option as we see that debris (i.e. dust, dirt, crushed stone) builds up on that rolling door guide. We then see that the roller has a slow corrosive impact on the door's paint. That is why we use a steel u-shaped door guide to ensure your door is safe – while protecting the finish.
Last, but not least is your latching system. There are numerous latch options available in the market for sliding horse stalls. Despite the wide variety, there are very few latch styles and designs that our team recommends. In our view, a latch system should be elegant to seamlessly flow with the sliding horse stall's design.
In addition to the aesthetics, the latch needs to be mindfully designed to withstand impact. It also needs to be designed and placed in a location that is hidden from your horse. These are the considerations behind Pin Lock Latch system.
Each pin lock latch includes (1) stainless steel pin and chain, (1) stainless steel pin receptacle, (1) aluminum wall sheath, and (4) installation screws.
First off, our choice in materials – stainless steel and aluminum – ensure that only the best materials went into your latch. This is especially important since the latch is touched and handled throughout a day. Secondly, our particular design ensures that the pin is inserted at an angle that withstands any degree of impact. Lastly, it is located in a manner that is hidden from even the smartest of escape artists.
This choice in materials and design guarantees a latch that is easy on the eye, built to last, and incredibly safe.
Do you have any questions or need pointers for your horse stall's hardware? Feel free to contact us today at (855) 957-8255 or complete our inquiry form. Our American Stalls team is here to be a resource to help you build a barn that is elegant, safe, and built to last.
