Your dream barn is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Any high-quality barn requires plenty of time, energy, planning, and resources. That is why it is important to do it right.
Despite our best intentions, we understand that the entire process can confuse prospective clients. After all, a new barn build – or renovation, for that matter – can include many moving parts. Any barn project can include permits, code requirements, choosing a builder, designing the structure, and all the components that go inside your horse barn.
This complexity is why our team works hard to be a true partner to our clients. Our team has 16 years of experience in the equine industry, and our sales and design team members are also all horse people themselves. Rest assured that our team is here to guide you with care, attention, and equine experience.
There are so many moving parts when it comes to horse stalls. It also doesn't help that there are conflicting ideas and designs across the internet.
That is why we have compiled a list of considerations for your horse stalls project. This will apply whether building a new barn or renovating an existing one.
Consideration #1: Your Barn's Layout & Drawings
The first place to start for any horse stall project is to understand the barn's structure and layout. The first two details we consider are aisle width and ceiling height. A barn's aisle will often help our clients decide between Sliding horse stalls and European (hinged) horse stalls. If your aisle is less than 10' wide, we almost always recommend a sliding horse stall. If your aisle is larger than 10', our clients then have the flexibility between the two styles.
We always recommend our clients to consider wide aisles and tall ceilings for ultimate functionality in your horse barn.
(Read more on Sliding Horse Stalls vs Hinged Horse Stalls)
The ceiling pitch and height is often another aspect we consider – especially during new barn construction. If you have the opportunity, we always recommend that clients consider tall ceilings above 12' in height. This will help promote ventilation in your horse stalls and barn.
Consideration #2: Sliding Horse Stalls vs Hinged Horse Stalls
Once you consider your barn's structure, we recommend that our clients decide between a Sliding Horse Stall design and a European (hinged) Horse Stall. This decision will be driven by the barn's function and the client's personal preference.
Consideration #3: The Climate
Are you in South Florida, where the climate is harsh with humidity, heat, and salt exposure? Are you located in central Texas, where Summers can bring unbearable heat? Are you in upstate New York, where Winters are long?
Barn in Florida
The client must consider these criteria when finalizing the design of their horse stalls. For starters, we always recommend mesh at the bottom of each horse stall door. This applies to cold and warm climates alike. This mesh horse gate will promote clean air ventilation in your barn and provide other benefits.
Lastly, your climate will also dictate the finish of your product. If you are in a coastal, high-salt exposure area, our team will always recommend galvanized steel, a zinc primer, and a powder coat combination. We will also offer these clients the option of a hot-dip galvanized finish. In contrast, other climates are usually okay with our standard pre-galvanized and powder coat combination.
Consideration #4: Your Horses and Behaviors
Does your project include a private backyard barn with your own horses? Do your horses get along with each other? Is one particular horse a bit more "extroverted" around another horse? How do you feed your horses?
Do you run a commercial boarding or training barn? Do your clients' horses get along with each other? Will you often have visitors in your barn? Do you want to allow access to visitors? These questions – and other behavioral tendencies – can drive decisions around upgrades such as:
- Yoke Opening (or not)
- Hinged Yokes or Removable Yoke Piece (to close yoke)
- Partitions (dividers) with grilled tops
- Feed Doors or Feed Openings
These four considerations are a great place to start your horse stall design process. These factors will give you a foundation to visualize your barn with clarity. You can read more on our design process at American Stalls here.
Do you have an upcoming project for your dream horse barn or your equestrian facility? Our team of experts is here to help guide you every step of the way. Please feel free to send us an email at sales@americanstalls.com or a call at (855) 957 8255. Alternatively, you can also complete a Contact Us Form.
