How to Design and Build a Horse Barn in Seven Steps - Wick Buildings, Inc. (2024)

Is your dream horse barn a two-stable structure in your yard? Or is it a large barn with an exquisite arena? Either way, there is a lot to consider before building. To make the planning process less overwhelming, we break down how to build a horse barn in seven easy steps.

As a horse enthusiast, you probably already know your dream horse barn would have a tack room near the cross-ties and a shower in the bathroom. But have you thought about building codes, how to best handle water runoff, or keeping your barn cool in the summer heat?

Constructing a horse barn involves a lot of pre-planning to ensure it lives up to your expectations. You need to be as specific as possible when articulating to your builder how you want your dream barn to look, feel and work.

We should mention it is imperative to hire a reputable builder to help execute your project. It will be difficult to find solutions to all potential problems without their expertise.

Follow these seven essential steps to plan your ultimate dream barn. That way, you won’t be left frustrated and buried in unnecessary expenses fixing something that, with a little pre-planning, you could have easily avoided.

1. Write down big picture thoughts. Close your eyes and imagine driving onto your dream farm. What do you see?Is it a breeding farm with two stallions and a mare? Or is it a family farm, housing not only horses, but goats, chickens and pigs, too?

Write down this visualization as if you were describing it to a friend. Be specific. Your idea of a family farm may differ from your builder’s, who instead may think it includes a riding ring and a picnic table.

2. Think in terms of “systems” and movement. Something or someone is always moving on a horse farm. For this second planning stage, list all of the things that would be in motion on your farm.

This may seem like a bizarre step, but it will help you develop ideas for the exact features you need later. Here are some examples:

-Horses leaving and entering stalls
-Owners tacking up, tying up and riding horses
-Owners, vets, clients and guests entering and exiting the office, tack room, stalls, and how their vehicles move andpark around the horse facility
-Workers pushing wheelbarrows and hauling muck buckets in and out of the barn
-Tractors hauling hay, plowing snow, scraping driveway
-Riders loading trailers for horse shows
-Garbage truck lifting dumpster
-Kids playing or biking in the barn area
-Owners making late-night checks on the barn
-Dogs running around

3. Consider how you might expand. When planning a horse barn, the key is to think expansively.

Sure, you may have two horses now, but what about in five years? Will you have changed riding disciplines? Will you wish you had planned a space for that covered riding arena? Will that future riding arena be attached to your stall barn or separate?

Thinking this through with an expert will save you money in the long run. Perhaps instead of adding it on later, your builder will know how to most cost-effectively engineer your barn to accommodate all of your current and future needs.

4. Deal with legal issues up-front. Permits, environmental concerns, zoning… depending on where you live there may be a lot of red tape to wade through before you can build. This is probably the least fun part of the process. Consult your builder to ensure your barn complies with the law.

If you’re not careful, neighborly disputes can escalate into legal issues. Think about ways to avoid inconveniencing those living nearby.

5. Select the right site. This step is more complicated than you think. However, your builder will understand “the lay of the land” quite literally. It includes considering:

-Drainage. Land that seems flat might actually not be flat, and only a trained eye can notice this. It could have a slant, which could affect drainage.

Also, if your land slopes towards your building site, you could deal with unwanted water woes for years.

-Weather. Take wind, weather and accessibility into account. For instance, will your vehicle be able to make it up that hill to your barn if it is slick from rain or ice?

-Utilities. Do not forget about water availability, cell phone coverage and internet access. Address issues like power poles or underground utilities that could prevent any of these from functioning properly.

-Space. Recognize that staging areas (for construction) require more space than you may think. Pick a large plot of land. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Remember, the key here is to not fight nature, but to instead work with it. Talk to your builder about selecting the right site for your horse barn. It is important not to overlook any important details, as this can cost you down the line.

6. Pick the right size, shape and accessories. Now for the fun part! This is the design stage. Time to pick stalls, doors and other fun extras for your dream barn.

With endless options, here are some tips to help narrow down what is right for you.

-Envision your daily routine. This is the best way to determine exactly what you need. Are you feeding hay and grain from a wheelbarrow or the back of a utility vehicle? How will you clean up manure in the barn?

Knowing your routine will help you determine the size of your doors, the arrangement of your stalls, storage areas and work areas, and other important features for your barn.

-Think about your horses. Does your horse like to stick its head out of its stall? Will you be moving two horses down your aisle at once? These answers are especially important when choosing stall doors and deciding the size of your aisles.

-Incorporate little luxuries. Do you want an on-demand water heater? Built-in cabinets? A private office or a space to eat lunch away from the barn dust? Now is the time to make your dreams a reality.

-Plan ahead. It may be a smart idea to plan what you might want to add later on, even if you don’t have the money right now. This will help the builder construct your barn to effectively retrofit these additions.

7. Visit other barns. It is a good idea to visit barns similar to the one you planned out with these steps.

Record what you liked about them, and what you’d like to change. What’s your overall impression? Decide what you can and can’t live without.

Because the pre-planning process of building your dream barn heavily depends upon personal preference and budget, it is crucial to hire an experienced barn builder to help you navigate the waters.

Taking the plunge without one may lead to complications that will compromise not only your finances, but the entire vision for your dream barn.

How to Design and Build a Horse Barn in Seven Steps - Wick Buildings, Inc. (2024)

FAQs

How to Design and Build a Horse Barn in Seven Steps - Wick Buildings, Inc.? ›

You'll need room for shavings and bedding, drying racks, wash stalls, and more. There are three other rooms that are essential in any great horse barn design, the Tack Room, the Tool Room, and the Feed Room. Tack Rooms – It is a good idea to have a tack room that keeps all of your gear safe and dry.

What should be in a horse barn? ›

You'll need room for shavings and bedding, drying racks, wash stalls, and more. There are three other rooms that are essential in any great horse barn design, the Tack Room, the Tool Room, and the Feed Room. Tack Rooms – It is a good idea to have a tack room that keeps all of your gear safe and dry.

What do you need to build a horse stable Stardew Valley? ›

The Stable is a farm building purchasable from Robin at the Carpenter's Shop. It allows the player to obtain a horse, which is included with the stable when purchased. The horse will be found in the stable at the start of each day. 10,000g and the player also needs to bring 5 Iron Bars and 100 pieces of hardwood.

What is a good size for a horse barn? ›

Thirty-six feet is a common building width (12' wide alley, flanked by 12' wide stalls on each side) and 10' for height. Length will depend on number of stalls, stall length, and additional rooms: tack room, wash bay, bathroom, lounge/office, and storage for feed, hay and equipment.

What is the best material to build a horse barn? ›

For ease of maintenance and weather resistance, metal is the clear winner. For many who choose a metal barn, durability is another major advantage. Steel is naturally strong and can withstand years of weather extremes without damage, although it is vulnerable to denting when pelted by hail or kicked by an active horse.

Which direction should a horse barn face? ›

You'll also want to carefully consider the direction your barn should face. You want to be prepared to counteract the seasons, keeping your barn warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The best way to achieve this is to face your structure in the east/west direction.

What is the best house for a horse? ›

A horse needs a shelter that is large enough for him to move around comfortably, with enough headroom to allow him to stand up and lie down. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least a hundred square feet per horse. The recommended stall size for an average horse is 10 by 12 feet.

Is the horse faster than running Stardew? ›

The player's base speed is: 2 when walking. 5 when running. 6.6 when riding a Horse.

What does a horse need in a stable? ›

Other items that you will need along with your horse stable include a water bucket or other source of drinking water and a feed tub both of which should be fastened to the wall; rings so that you can tie up the horse; a hay-rack or hay net or bag; along with a selection of items to keep the horse happy, for instance ...

Can I build a house for Linus Stardew Valley? ›

"I'd like to invite Linus to live on the farm with me." - Robin will offer to build a home on the player's property, but Linus politely declines, albeit a little hurt since he says he chooses to live the way he does. He then tells the player he appreciates their friendship, but they shouldn't try to "help" him.

Is a 12x12 stall big enough for a horse? ›

A 12-foot x 12-foot stall is the standard recommendation for a 1,000-pound horse. Many stables are successful with stalls slightly smaller than this, but walls less than 10 feet in length are not recommended. Generally, the stall wall length is 1 1/2 times the horse's length.

Is a 10x12 stall big enough for a horse? ›

A horse should be able to comfortably enter the stall, move, turn around and lie down in his/her stall. An average-sized horse (about 14-16 hands) can fit comfortably in a 12' x 12' stall. That being said, one can consider a smaller stall such as 10'x12′ – depending on personal preferences and stall usage.

What size is a 2 stall horse barn? ›

2-Stall Horse Barn: (common barn sizes from 10'x24′ to 12'x24′) If you're working with a limited budget or space, a two-stall barn may be the perfect option for you. Despite its compact design, this size can comfortably house two horses and comes with all the necessary features to keep them safe and secure.

What is the cheapest way to build a horse barn? ›

While both center-aisle and shed row barns are popular single-story barn designs, shed row barns will be your most cost-effective option. Since they are built in a simple, stripped-down barn style, they cost less and are easy to work with.

How much does it cost to build a nice horse barn? ›

Average Barn Costs by Method of Construction
ConstructionMaterial CostBuild Cost
Metal Barn$20 per sq ft$12 per sq ft
Pole Barn$15 per sq ft$20 per sq ft
Post & Beam Barn$50 per sq ft$70 per sq ft

Should a horse barn have a concrete floor? ›

While concrete and asphalt are practical industrial options, one drawback is that they can create a slipping hazard for horses. Rubber mats or a concrete heavy broom finish can help reduce that risk, although a finish can wear down over time. Interlocking rubber pavers can also provide a safe, nonslip barn surface.

What is the cheapest way to build a barn? ›

What Are Pole Barns? The best solution to keeping costs down is to re-think how you design your barn. Pole barns are among the simplest types of structures, which is why they are so cheap to build. In place of foundations, telegraph poles are hammered into the ground to support the roof.

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