When planning your horse barn, there are a lot of details you have to consider. In addition to the design and overall look of the barn, you also need to weigh options such as what space restrictions you might have or adding certain features to increase functionality, all while complying with building codes. Whether your animals are your hobby, livelihood or family, they need a structure that will keep them safe and comfortable.
To help you stay on top of your checklist, here are nine expert tips to consider when building horse stalls.
1) Number of Stalls
To decide the number of stalls you need, you should ask yourself how many horses you want to and feasibly can care for at present. You should also consider space restriction and keep this in mind when designing. If you do have the space, it may be beneficial to look to the future and consider whether you plan to keep more horses later on. The goal is to find a balance between having enough space for now, with room to grow in the future, while also keeping costs affordable. If you underestimated the number of stalls, you would need to build more later on. Luckily, modular barn systems allow you to easily add on to your structure should the need arise in the future.
2) Build Bigger Stalls and Wider Aisleways
According to equestrian enthusiasts, an ideal stall size is 12’ x 12’. This is what is considered a standard sized stall. Of course, if you own miniature horses or ponies, you can get by with a smaller stall. Your horse should always have enough room to get up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If you have larger horses, such as Clydesdale or other draft horses, you may want to increase the size of your stalls for comfort. While 12×12 stalls may be considered standard, barn components can be designed and built to meet your specific needs.
If you are designing a Raised Center Aisle or Gable barn, aisle width is a key factor to consider, especially for ease of movement and day-to-day functionality. A 12-foot aisle is a standard recommendation, providing enough space for handling horses, walking side by side, or general barn activity. If you plan to move equipment, hay, or feed through the barn, many horse owners choose to go wider than 12 feet for added convenience.
3) Add a Wash Bay for Your Horses
Designing a wash stall in your horse barn is a smart and practical use of space, if room allows. Thoughtful pre-planning will ensure your wash stall is built for your convenience and with your horses’ comfort in mind.
Wash Stall Considerations:
- Location – Keep your wash stall within convenient access to your animals and make sure to keep it away from areas that don’t mix well with water and moisture.
- Flooring – Rubber pavers or mats are popular choices that provides a non-slip surface.
- Size – Wash bays are typically the same size as a stall. They can be used for many other tasks other than washing – grooming, tacking up, shoeing, vet visits etc.
- Water – Obviously you will need access to running water. While cold water is sufficient, installing a hot water heater will make winter bath time much more enjoyable.
- Drainage – The grade of your property and/or adding drains can work to your advantage as you do not want to build your washroom in an area that will create a swamp around your facility that will attract mosquitos.
- Storage –Neat little cubby holes create great storage and make for a tidy looking wash stall.
- Tie Posts – Strong, rust proof tie posts to secure your horses during washing are a necessity, as are heavy rings secured to your walls.
4) Drainage
When planning your horse barn, take careful consideration of the location in which you are placing your barn. The grade of your property can work to your advantage when moving drainage away from your foundation. A spot that collects water, will end up breeding insects, traverse mud holes for weeks after a rain and allow for other potential issues to arise in the future. One of the best ways to ensure you have a location that drains well is to pick the high spot in your pasture.
One other tip you might use in selecting your barn location is to look at your land in Google Maps with the terrain mode. It shows contour lines and you may be able to determine the high ground from the computer. You will still want to walk the property, but the computer could help you narrow out areas that might become bogs after heavy rains.
5) Ventilation
The most important consideration for any building that shelters animals is ventilation. Without proper ventilation, the living space becomes filled with stale air, noxious gases, and pathogens. Moisture is trapped inside and can create excellent conditions for mold, mildew, rot and respiratory illnesses.
Orient your building perpendicular to the prevailing winds to allow for good air flow without creating drafts. Horse manure creates ammonia fumes that are harmful to the lungs if a horse is exposed to them for long periods of time. Beyond cleaning the stalls frequently, allowing air to move through the stall will provide natural air and cooling.
Other ideas to help increase the natural ventilation in your barn can include:
- Cupolas: Cupolas are a classic – and classy – way to improve your pole barn’s ventilation. A louver cupola draws moist, hot air out through the roof, preventing moisture build-up and increasing air flow.
- Doors & Windows: Opening windows and doors can allow air to flow through your horse barn. Air flows best if windows and doors are located on opposite sides of the barn.
- Mechanical Ventilation: Opposite of natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation controls the air movement by using one or more fans.
6) Include a Tack Room
No matter how tight your budget, you will want a separate tack and feed room. Clean tack hung in a feed room will quickly accumulate dust. Tack rooms have a variety of uses that isn’t just for storing tack. Consider giving yourself counter space and cabinets for storage, include a mini fridge to keep medications that are not shelf stable, or incorporate a sink to mix medications or wash dishes, if desired.
7) Natural Lighting
Horses are outdoor creatures. However, there are times that they need to be kept indoors during the day. The fact is, their physiology is still designed for wide open spaces. They require motion, fresh air and natural light.
Natural light is superior to electric light for a number of reasons, and its effects on both horses and humans is well-documented. Exposure to unfiltered natural light allows the development of Vitamin D, a pro-hormone synthesized through skin exposure, which supports the body’s absorption of important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
You can increase the natural lighting in your barn by adding Skylights. Skylights are a translucent roof panel that allow the natural sunlight to enter your barn, all while keeping your horse safe indoors.
8) Hay Storage
There are a couple of options to consider when deciding where to store your hay. One popular choice is to incorporate a dedicated feed room into your barn design. This offers convenience, especially if you include a large exterior door at the back of the room to simplify deliveries and access. Alternatively, you can extend the roofline of your barn to create a covered storage area. This keeps your hay close to the barn while storing it outside the main structure, helping to reduce dust inside the barn.
9) Storage Spaces
Create a spacious, dedicated storage room to enhance both the function and safety of your barn. Not only will this help maintain a cleaner and more organized environment, but it also reduces the risk of accidents or injuries to both animals and handlers by keeping walkways and work areas clear. Expanded storage space is ideal for housing supplies that don’t typically belong in a tack room—such as water tanks, seasonal tools, or larger equipment that lacks a designated space elsewhere in the barn.
With a well-planned storage area, everything has its place, making daily operations more efficient and stress-free.
The Castlebrook Difference
Castlebrook’s barns have a warm, inviting look which adds to the beauty and value of your property. All Castlebrook round pens and round pen covers and designed and manufactured on site at Castlebrook’s facility. That is why we can provide you with an almost limitless choice of sizes and styles. Castlebrook can manufacture a round pen and cover to suit your exact needs.
Castlebrook never misses a ship date. We are so confident in our on-time guarantee that we are willing to guarantee it — in writing! Castlebrook understands how important it is for your project to go as smoothly as possible. This begins with your structure shipping on the date we’ve promised. Castlebrook knows of absolutely no other barn company offering this guarantee. Where other companies disappoint, Castlebrook guarantees to be on time, every time!
Please contact our professional team today at 1-800-52-BARNS. We gladly accommodate Saturday appointments!