Whether planning to shelter a single horse or a larger herd, your post frame structures should provide the healthiest atmosphere for them. A good management program provides the environment, housing, and care that allows the animals to grow, mature, reproduce, and maintain good health. With plenty of fresh air, clean water, large stalls, and room to exercise, you can have peace of mind that the animals are safe and well cared for.
Considerations for Your Horse Barn
The first thing to ponder is the cost versus your budget. If you are expecting to house only one or two horses for your children, who will move away in a few years, then maybe boarding elsewhere may be more economical than building your own barn.
However, if you expect to own horses for the long term, building the right-size facility is the best option. Consulting with an experienced post frame builder and designer should be your first step.
Legalities
Check all local ordinances and building permit requirements. Furthermore, you may need to consider homeowner zoning requirements before starting so you can avoid any potentially expensive legal conflicts.
Sizing
The actual size of your horse barn depends on the number of horses you have and plan to have in the future. You must also consider how you want to care for them. Set a budget and strive to keep your building plan in line while including all the necessary elements.
What to Include
The basic requirements for a horse barn include plenty of air circulation, a watering system, ample stall spaces, tack room, and storage. Depending on the number of horses you expect to house, the layout may range from simple to extravagant. If you decide to add an exercise area, the layout is even more important.
Entrances and exits in a horse barn or equestrian center post frame should provide easy access to move animals in and out, both alone and with you. An indoor exercise arena can also be beneficial for both animals and humans, especially if you live in an area with temperamental weather.
Size
Consider how many horses you currently have and the likelihood of increasing the number in the future. A building that is too small will quickly become a problem if the footprint of the structure limits future growth.
Space Demands
Calculate the number of stalls (which should be at least 12’X12’) necessary, traffic lanes, space for food and supplies, tack room, and washing area. You may also want to include trailer storage and an office space. Keep in mind that surface softening mats or other materials are necessary to protect your horses from serious injury.
In addition, you might consider adding a riding and exercise arena plus other equipment storage and more.
Airflow
Creating a continuous flow of clean air through the building is essential for the health of the animals. Continuous airflow is healthier for animals and humans as it keeps the moisture levels lower, thereby eliminating the development of mold and other problems. Venting in the roof and under the eaves in combination with fans to move the air makes for a well-ventilated building.
Lighting
Horse stall windows or Dutch doors provide plenty of natural daylight in each stall. Additionally, these can help to add ventilation to the barn. Consider adding strategic lighting in the ceiling and eaves for nighttime illumination and cloudy days.
Architecture
Your new post frame building should fit within its environment or complement other structures in the area. A post frame building can be clad in any material you wish. This ensures it is a lovely companion to your home and other buildings.
Exercise Arena
An additional exercise area indoors may be part of your dream. The extra space allows you to work with your animals when the weather is bad. Generating extra space for this can get expensive, but the rewards can be substantial. Additional space can be added later, however, it does require land space and will cost more than planning for it initially.
Work with Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings
As a long-time supplier, designer, and builder of excellent post frame buildings, Pacemaker is a leader in the industry. Located in North Webster, Indiana, the company is a trailblazer in the industry and serves Northern Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Southwest Michigan.
View some of Pacemaker’s finished projects in the Online Gallery today. Contact the Pacemaker team of experts today to get a quote by filling in the contact form online. Or call them at 1-888-834-4448 to discuss your post frame dreams.
