Are you planning to add a horse barn to your property? As a dedicated horse lover, it will add tremendous enjoyment to your favorite pastime. But, it can be hard for a novice to know how to design a great barn.
To help you get started, here are 5 key features of a quality horse barn.
Plenty of Large Stalls
The size of your horse stalls will depend on your budget and the number of animals you plan to house. But spending some extra money on larger stalls will help keep your horses happy. And if you plan to board or rent space in your barn for income, good stalls will attract better customers. Look for a design that features at least 12' by 12' stalls. And be sure to add extra stalls for future growth. Horse owners tend to add to their herd over time.
Sliding Doors
You often have a choice between overhead, "garage-style" barn doors or sliding doors. If possible, it's a good idea to opt for sliding doors. They are generally quieter and will be less likely to spook a horse. They also give a great, authentic feeling to a metal or industrial barn.
Good Ventilation
You have some choices when it comes to ventilating your barn, and it will depend on the building's size and your budget. Natural ventilation can be quite sufficient if you use a good design, and it is adequate even for colder climates. A powered ventilation system may cost additional money, but it will do a better job at keeping the barn an even temperature.
Natural Lighting
Natural lighting--usually skylights and windows--is a good way to reduce energy costs. It also gives the barn a natural feel and keeps the horses happy. You can add natural lighting by using Dutch doors and adding windows to your sliding doors to light the center aisle.
Extra Rooms
Don't forget to save space for additional rooms that will make your life easier. If you have room, a wash stall will help keep both owners and horses cleaner and more comfortable. You'll also likely need a tack room and some storage for feed and bedding. It's probably not advisable to store all your hay inside, though, since this will add dust and pests to the barn.
Ensuring you have these key elements in your barn design, you can create a space that everyone will love for years to come. For more tips, check with places like Rarin' To Go Corrals.
Share2 August 2017
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