Planning A Horse Barn

You finally bought your first horse property.  It has plenty of room to fence in pastures and even put in a riding arena.

Before putting in fencing, the horse barn needs to be built.  But where to start?

    Here is a step by step checklist to help plan your horse barn.

    1-  First, decide on the style barn you would like.  They come in many different styles.

    2-  Next, determine whether or not you would want to have a loft or ground storage.  Or if you would be building another structure for the hay storage.

3-  How many stalls would you want and what size?  The size of the stall will depend on the size horses you will have.

4-  What type of stall doors would would you want?  Would they be sliding doors, doors with bars or open on the top?

5-  How wide of an aisle would be good for your needs?  It can range anywhere from 12′ (most common) to 16′.

6-  Would an overhang be included and what length?  It can be anywhere from 6′ to 12′.  How about a lean-to instead?  In case the horses need shelter, they can freely go in and out.

7-  Instead of windows in each stall, would you prefer dutch doors that lead to a turn out area?

8-  Is there a need for extra windows in the barn?

9-  What about a feed room and/or a tack room?  How about a wash stall or grooming stall?  What size?

10- What type of siding would you prefer?

11- What type of roofing?  Would it be metal, shingle or architectural?  Would you want skylights in the roof for extra light?

12- What type of floor plan would work best?

13- Would there be automatic waterers in each stall?  Or would there just be a frost free spigot?

14- Would you want electric outlets at each stall?  Where else would you want outlets?

15- Any other entrances into the barn?  You might want a separate entrance into the barn for when the large barn doors are closed in the winter time.

16- Would the stalls have bars between them?  Or would it be a solid wall?

Once you have gone through the check list and determined what best fits your and your horses’ needs, then you can search for a reputable barn builder to help you.

Before you know it, the horse barn will be erected, fences will be up, and your horses will be home with you for you to enjoy.

 
Brigita McKelvie is a REALTOR®  (Pennsylvania License #RS297130) with Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, specializing in rural and horse properties and farms.  She has an e-Pro® (Certified Internet Expert) designation and a GRI (Graudate, REALTOR® Institute) designation. You can contact her at 610-393-9424 or e-mail at brigita@brigitamklv.com   Find out more about her on her websites www.brigitamklv.com or www.RuralAndHorseProperties.com