Horse owners or yard managers could dramatically improve respiratory health by installing an innovative perforated wall on stabling and indoor schools.

Designed to allow plenty of light and air into buildings, while prohibiting ingress of rain and wind, Highlight wall cladding has been used on livestock buildings for years, and is now finding its way into the equestrian market.

Nick Bridger, who rears 150 beef cattle at Hill Hampton Farm, Petersfield, Hampshire, decided to install it on his American barn style stables and cattle shed six years ago. “It was a similar price to wooden boarding and easier to put up, so I thought I’d give it a go,” he said.

“The vets absolutely love it – they say the stables are the best ventilated they have ever come across. It would also be well suited to indoor arenas because it lets so much light in – I’d definitely use it again.”

As manager of 18 DIY livery stables at the nearby New Buildings Farm, Mr Bridger recommended the walling to owner Oliver Howe. “We’ve got a 60-foot American barn which had a block wall up to 2m with Yorkshire boarding above it,” said Mr Howe. “But three years ago the boarding needed replacing so we fitted the Highlight instead, and it’s been fantastic.

“It keeps the rain out but lets the ventilation in – we’ve got six stables in the barn and there are absolutely no problems with coughing. It also lets some light through, which creates a more natural environment and probably keeps lighting costs down a bit, too.”