Horse Barn Considerations
There are three basic elements to consider when you are planning to build a new barn.
Site Selection
Building Orientation
Planning and Construction
Site Selection:
Consideration must first be given to the location of the stable on the site, it's proximity to
surrounding buildings, property lines and natural land features, and the ground upon which
the stables are to be constructed which should provide good natural drainage, and should
drain away from the buildings.
Orientation:
The stable buildings must be protected from prevailing winter winds winds while taking
advantage of summer breezes. On a confined site this aspect may not be obtainable in which
case protection must be afforded by other buildings or a belt of suitable trees. When
considering the prevailing winds, contours of the landscape, the relationship of the site to
woods, buildings, etc., will have a direct effect on the wind. Therefore understanding the site
conditions are essential to the planning. Although protection from the unwanted wind is a
necessity, there should be a free circulation of air around the stables.
Stable buildings should be positioned with consideration to adjoining houses, and to provide
easy access.
Planning and Construction:
Construction should be of fire safe construction. The concept of fire safe construction not
only include the planning and construction of the barn, but incorporates the stable
management and practices. We will explore the concept of Fire Safe Construction if a future
article.
Main Requirements of the Stable :
The size and number of the components making up the stable buildings will vary not only in
relationship to the size of the facility, but also to the individual requirements of the facility.
In considering the design of a stable building the following items provide a check list of basic
requirements.
1. Stalls
2. One sick stall
3. Feed room
4. Hay store
5. Straw store or storage for alternative bedding
6. Washing and cleaning room, incorporating drying facilities
7. Tack Room
8. Manure bunkers
9. Office, in some cases only
10. Lavatory accommodations
11. Sitting room for grooms
12. Garage or covered area for trucks and/or trailer.
Some Items particularly in small establishments may be combined with another uses.
The relationship of the various items must be considered, both in respect of relationship to
each other, to the site, and surrounding buildings. Efforts should be concentrated on the
horse, not on carrying bales of hay, straw and sacks of feed great distances. Careful planning
of the facility can minimize the handling of heavy materials and reduce wasted energy.
Layout of the Stalls
Before proceeding with the design, detailed planning requirements of the facility must first
be ascertained. The first consideration must be given to the layout of the stalls. For design
purposes a 12 by 12 ft stall may be considered a suitable size. This size will comfortably
house a 16.0-17.0 hh horse. The basic layout of the buildings containing the stalls will
depend on economic considerations as well as on site conditions. The simplest layout of stalls
is a line opening directly into the open air. This is the simplest form of layout, and presents
multiple variations in layout which can be derived from the basic in-line stall configuration.
Depending on the number of stall needed they can be arranged around a yard, the roof
structure can be extended along the open side to provide protection from the weather for the
horses and grooms. The open side may be enclosed to provide better control of ventilation
and draughts, provide improved working conditions, easier maintenance, and a quieter
environment. The number of horses can be greatly increased by adding additional stalls to
create a central passage.
Accessory Spaces
Utility Stall, Wash Stall: A Space the same size as a stall used for a variety of purposes,
clipping, grooming, shoeing, washing, and for medical treatment.
Isolation Stall:
At least one isolation stall is recommended to accommodate a horse with a infectious disease
requiring isolation, or for a horse requiring quiet specialized treatment. The isolation stall is best
located away from the stables but convenient for the care giver. Where possible locate the stall
within view of the other horses. The stall should be approx. 50% larger than the stalls and the
structure should be able to support a sling attachment.
Feed Room:
This room is intended to house the feed for daily use and should be located as close to the stalls
as possible. Provide separate bins for each type of feed, a sink with hot and cold water, and a
bucket filling tap. Allow for wall racks for storage. All feed and grain storage bins are lined with
galvanized steel for vermin control.
Feed and Hay Storage:
Should be directly accessible from the feed room. The requirements for this room will depend
on the size of the facility and the frequency of the delivery of feed and hay. If hay nets are to
be used space in this area should be provided for filling them otherwise hay will be taken
directly to the stalls.
Bedding Storage:
A variety of materials may be used, many are individual to certain parts of the country. The
requirements for there storage are a well ventilated dry area or building. All hay and bedding
should be stored in a separate dry barn to minimize fire risk.
Tack Rooms:
This area should be located directly accessible to the stalls, and in large facilities divided into
more than one room. The exact size and arrangement will depend on the number of horses
being served by each room and the purposes for which those horses are being used.
Alternatives for the arrangement of this room are to locate the tack for each horse together, or
to separate saddles, bridles, girths, etc. The room must be large enough to accommodate tack
trunks, storage of blankets, sheets, and other accessories. This room usually accommodates a
medicine cabinet.
Washing and cleaning:
As a accessory of the tack room a space directly accessible from the stable yard is desirable. In
this arrangement dirty tack can be taken directly into it without passing through the tack room.
Provide a large deep utility sinks with hot and cold water, and washing and drying blankets
sheets and other accessories. Provide saddle horses, and bridle holders with adequate clear
area to allow cleaning purposes. provide storage for cleaning supplies.
Manure Disposal:
The storage of manure must be positioned well away from the stalls, but must have easy direct
access to them, and must be located adjacent to a road to facilitate easy collection.
Offices:
Large establishments and riding schools will require an office for the barn manager. The space
must accommodate a desk, chairs, filing cabinets and storage of supplies provide area for a
personal computer with a dedicated phone line. The telephone system should be fitted with an
external bell or extensions. The office should be located to provide supervision over the stable
yard the delivery of goods, and the arrival of riders.
Brood mares and stallions require brighter light and lighting programs to keep fertility levels
maximized.
Foaling stall heat:
Controllable to raise the temperature as quickly as possible to 75d minimum and to maintain it.
Foaling stall floor:
Seamless, rubberized material, textured, and pitched to a separate drain and catch basin (not
connected to main barn drainage) Rubberized flooring turned up the walls. Foaling stall
adjoined by the sit-up room (also heated) with a one-way unbreakable glass panel and or slide
shutter for the groom to observe.