10 Tips to Build a Great Horse Barn
Installing your dream horse barn requires a lot of planning. You’ll need to consider everything from what equipment is needed to the building codes and regulations that must be followed.
While you may already be aware that your horse barn will need a tack room and shower, there are many other details you will need to consider for your project. For instance, how much space will your horse stalls require? What kind of ventilation will you need? How will you organize and store all your equipment and horse feed?
As you plan your horse barn installation, you’ll need to address these questions. With that in mind, the following are 10 crucial tips to help you plan.
Tips for Building Your Metal Horse Barns
When it comes to horse barns, a metal structure is the most durable option. A metal horse barn will also be more secure and long-lasting than barns built out of other materials. If you want to go with a prefabricated metal barn for your horses, then be sure to consider the following when planning your installation:
- Think Long-Term with Your Horse Barn Plans: Consider the potential for expansion and future modifications as you plan your horse barn. For example, you may plan to buy more horses later. This will help ensure that your dream project can accommodate changes or additions in the future.
- Build Bigger Barns and Wider Aisleways: Make sure the aisleways in your horse barn are wide enough to accommodate any equipment you may need to use, such as wheelbarrows and feed carts. You’ll also want to ensure your stalls are large enough for the horses to move comfortably. When in doubt, go bigger and wider.
- Consider a Mat System for Horse Stall Flooring: Consider the benefits of a mat system for horse stall flooring. Not only will this make it easier for your horses to move around and lie down, but it will also help to reduce stress on their joints. Rubber is a good option when it comes to mat systems. They provide horses with cushion and comfort, not to mention they are easy to clean and replace.
- Determine Which Type of Metal Horse Barn Design Works Best: When it comes to choosing the design of your horse metal barn, a clear-span design is usually the best option. This type of design allows for more space and flexibility within the barn. A clear-span design also makes it easier to add additional stalls as needed and offers more stability overall.
- Add a Horse Wash Stall: Be sure to include a horse wash stall in your design, as this is essential for proper grooming and care of the horses. At a minimum, the horse wash stall should include hot and cold water and a drain.
- Dedicate Space for a Tack Room: A tack room is a must-have for any horse barn, as it’s the room where you will store your equipment, such as saddles and bridles. When designing your barn, be sure to include a tack room that is spacious enough for all of your items.
- Ensure Your Horse Barn Has Adequate Airflow: Proper airflow is essential for keeping your horses healthy and comfortable. When designing your barn, consider adding high-velocity fans or roof vents to help move the air around. This will help to reduce humidity and keep your horse barn cooler in hot weather.
- Use Fans for More Ventilation Options: Fans are a great way to help circulate air throughout your horse metal barn. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and they can make a big difference in helping to keep your horses comfortable. They can also help keep smells and dust to a minimum.
- Choose the Ideal Horse Barn Doors: You’ll want to install doors that your horses and equipment can fit through but that are also easy to operate. As such, sliding doors are ideal for metal barns. Not only do they provide ample space, but they are also easy to open and close.
- Plan for Water and Food Storage: Horses need access to clean drinking water and a steady food supply. As such, you’ll want to ensure that your horse barn has adequate storage and access to both items. Consider investing in a water tank or an automatic feeder system to make sure your horses are always fed and watered.
Horse Barn Ideas for a Better Performing Building
The previous tips will help you plan for a functional and comfortable metal barn. However, the following are some additional ideas that will help you create the ideal environment for your horses:
- Ensure the building is properly built: For your barn to function as intended, it needs to be properly built. Purchasing a prefab metal barn customized to your requirements will allow you to construct it properly, but you’ll also need to ensure that your site is level and that you include a proper drainage system in your overall design.
- Identify possible interior sources of moisture: The buildup of moisture can cause problems over time. As such, it is important to account for potential sources of moisture in the barn, such as high groundwater, hay, unvented heaters, poor drainage, fill dirt, and the horses themselves, and plan ahead to address them.
Future Buildings Offers Custom Metal Barns
If you’re planning to build a barn for your horses, you should consider a prefab metal building from Future Buildings. We offer a wide range of custom metal buildings designed specifically for housing horses and can customize them to meet your specific needs. Our buildings are made from the highest quality steel and are built to last, providing your horses with a comfortable and safe environment in which to live.
Originally published at https://www.futurebuildings.com on January 5, 2023.
