Performance Enhancing Sustainable Equestrian Stables for New Zealand’s Top Sport Horses

Abstract

Horses in the high-end equine industry worldwide realise prices in the millions of dollars. Optimisation of stabling for these horses attracts very high levels of investment in facilities to enhance their physical performance to produce results. The resources to improve the physical aspect of horses are well developed; it is often the psychological needs of horses that are ignored. The wellbeing of the horses can have just as dramatic effect on their performance as the physical wellness. “While great emphasis is put on training and riding, the quality of “the other 23 hours a day is of equal importance.” This thesis explores stabling issues including, equine and human health, sustainability, efficiency and environmental impact with a focus on how they may be favorably influenced by architectural design. Calming features through natural surroundings and predominantly water have been used to calm the horses and also to influence the design. The chosen site at Lake Taupo has special soil, nitration and pollution management issues which are addressed. It is planned that anaerobic digestion will turn waste into value. The thesis also addresses the aesthetic appeal of stables required by owners to optimise horse sales. It is anticipated that architectural design will have a significant potential role in providing solutions to the above issues. This thesis examines the potential for architectural design to contribute towards industry solutions.