Top 5 Ways to Upgrade Your Horse Barn

People have kept horses for thousands of years. Now, in the modern age, we can provide unprecedented comfort and security for these majestic creatures.

Whether you own a horse for recreational riding or operate a horse training facility, you need a safe place for your equine friends to eat and rest. And as horse theft remains a serious problem, these places also need to be as secure as possible.

Here’s how you can build or renovate your stall barn to best suit your horse care needs.

1. Hay and Feed Storage

Horses eat massive amounts of hay and grain, and you need a clean, dry place to keep it. When building or upgrading your barn, consider a designated hay storage area. Covered bins protect the hay from moisture and make it easy to dispense into wheelbarrows. If you need to load hay into an ATV or golf cart, you may want this space to open out to the exterior.

Depending on how many bales you need to keep on hand, you might like a dedicated feed room. Lifted floors and sliding doors help keep out pests and water. You can also set up a built-in grain dispenser — perfect for easily prepping food for multiple horses.

A contractor can help you build or remodel your hay and feed storage areas with all the critical features, such as excellent ventilation and convenient shelving. Ask them about waterproofing your roof as well to keep Florida rains out of your barn!

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2. Drainage for Better Sanitation

Stalls can be difficult to muck out, which raises your horses’ risk of thrush. But hosing down the stalls can also be an issue; if moisture builds up, it can cause fungus issues.

Talk to a remodeling contractor about adding drainage to your stalls, as well as proper ventilation to allow the barn to air out. They can also add spigots to make cleanup easier.

You can also consider a dedicated wash stall for bathing your horses. This calls for a sturdy combination of easy-to-use doors, water fixtures, and exceptional ventilation.

3. Wider Turnouts

Horses’ vision is different from ours, which means narrow spaces can be hard for them to navigate. Turnout can be frustrating at best, and dangerous at worst. Turnout needs adequate space, as well as easy-to-maneuver barn doors. That way, no one has to fuss with a difficult hinge or handle during an emergency.

If you’re building a horse barn, make sure the aisles are at least 12 feet across. This also allows most vehicles to pass through, making it easier to load or unload supplies.

Remodeling your barn? You could add exterior stall doors so horses can easily go out into the paddock.

4. Connected Paddocks

Many stalls don’t open directly onto paddocks. Depending on your horses’ needs, these could be a great feature for turnout. It allows them to enjoy more outdoor time without having to navigate the center aisle every time.

When attached to the barn, paddocks can also feature automatic water bowls to give your horses a refreshing drink. Ask your contractor about other exterior water features that can make your farm hands’ lives easier.

Or, upgrade your paddocks from basic dirt and grass to limestone, crushed gravel, or similar all-weather materials. These sacrifice paddocks keep your barn space cleaner and less muddy. Plus, you can layer in rubber shreds or mats for extra comfort during exercise.

5. Amenities for the Tack Room

Humans need their creature comforts, too! Upgrade your tack room with a half-bath and washer-dryer set. You can even install an AC unit if you need some extra relief after a sunny ride! A mini-fridge and freezer are ideal for storing cold drinks, as well as medications that must remain refrigerated.

A barn remodel is also a great opportunity to reorganize your tack room. Consider features such as shelves, drawers, hooks, bins, and cubbies. For example, you may want a special rack for saddles, a peg board for helmets and bits, a shoe bench, and so on. The more built-in storage fixtures you have, the easier it is to find what you need.

The tack room also needs excellent ventilation, especially if your wash rack is in the room or nearby. If you’re adding a bath or other water features, it’s even more important to add a dehumidifier and/or exhaust fan.

What You Need for a Modern Barn

Most barns don’t have turnouts, indoor and outdoor arenas, AND stalls. It can be a pain to get horses from their stalls to their training areas. Consider your overall layout and how you can maximize efficiency. For example, many professional-level stall barns are adjacent to arenas, pole barns, and paddocks.

Modern barns require electricity, which can be hard to use safely if not installed or designed well. You’ll need electrical hookups for tack-room appliances, lamps, etc. Adding electricity also gives you a chance to upgrade your lighting. Better illumination usually means a safer, more efficient barn! Plus, you can install video cameras, stall sensors, and other security features.

If you’re creating a show barn, you might consider some luxurious finishes. For example, rubber pavers are gentle on horses’ feet and give a modern feel to your barn’s center aisle. Ask your contractor about the best wood finishes for doors, siding, tack room cabinetry, etc.

Barns at horse boarding and training facilities might be even more complex. Consider adding staff quarters for farm hands and trainers. These could double as apartments for people traveling with their horses. When developing a modern equestrian complex, the sky’s the limit!

 

Straight Line Construction can make your dream barn a reality and give your horses the best possible place to set down their hooves. As a design-build contractor, we can take your barn development or upgrade from start to finish. We work closely with an interior designer to achieve your desired aesthetic and all the equestrian features you need. Then, our team of carpenters, electricians, and plumbers build a cohesively efficient, beautifully crafted building.

Ready to say “neigh” to basic stall-barns? Whether you need a wash rack, tack room upgrade, barn beautification, or a full equestrian design, SLC can help your horses love where they live! Get in touch today.