subject: Designing A Horse Barn For Safety, Comfort, And Functionality [print this page] A well-designed barn will be a place of safety, comfort, and functionality for the horses and their human companions. Taking into consideration all of the factors that facilitate those three goals is important when considering the design and placement of the barn to save money, time, and frustration.
The first consideration is where to place the barn. It should be aesthetically pleasing in relation to the home and other out-buildings and conveniently placed for easy access for vehicles. Though the original plans may not include electricity or water, it's wise to plan for future upgrading so considering a location with ready accessibility to utilities will save costs for installation later. You may also want to take into consideration prevailing wind direction, placing the barn at a 45 degree angle to diffuse forceful winds. An area that is well-drained is also an important factor.
The excellent care that horses deserve requires daily, routine maintenance and chores. A well-designed barn will increase ease and efficiency by having water access close by for shorter trips. It will have storage for a week's worth of feed and space for well-ordered tack and grooming supplies. A nearby compost pile for manure disposal should be downwind to reduce odor and be out of sight in a well-drained location.
Stalls should be large enough for the horse to be able to turn comfortably and lie down without having to walk in a soiled area. For most horses, a 12' x 12' stall is recommended. Ponies often do well in 10' x 10' stalls, with larger draft breeds requiring a larger than 12' x 12' stall. If planning for a foaling stall, doubling the size of a regular stall is recommended. Aisle width is also an important consideration. Since this is a high traffic area, it should have adequate space to move and maneuver for both horses and humans.
Proper ventilation is essential. A well-designed barn will allow fresh air to move into the barn and allow moist, stale, dusty air to move out without creating chilling drafts. Poorly ventilated barns will often result in equine respiratory diseases from dust and molds that will grow in moist conditions. Openings on both sides of the barn as well as vented windows installed high on outside walls will create natural ventilation. An exhaust or ceiling fan can help to improve circulation.
Flooring can be either porous or non-porous, both having advantages and disadvantages in price, durability, and maintenance requirements. Porous flooring includes sand, clay, topsoil, and wood. Concrete and asphalt are non-porous. Considerations when selecting the floor for the barn are minimizing foot and tendon strain, offer adequate traction, being resistant to odors, and low maintenance.
Considering all of these factors when designing a barn will ensure that the structure serves horses and humans well for years to come.
by: Art Gib
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