What should you consider when you choose a site for your barn? Georgia: While the primary considerations of siting—natural light and good ventilation—apply to all barns, they’re even more important in a location where winter comes earlier, stays longer and Nor’easters are not uncommon. I work primarily in the northeast where this is a concern. Barns should always be sited with attention to prevailing winds and sun patterns. In cold country, I prefer to face the gable ends north and south—the worst of the winter winds will hit the narrow end and blow past the long sides of the barn. In the summer, your aisle end doors will open toward the prevail- ing breezes. Horse stalls
on the east-facing side of the barn will be warmed by the rising sun and will be better shel- tered from the heat of the summer sun past mid-day. With Dutch doors and windows facing east and west, you’ll bring more natural light into the barn. You can reduce winter condensation problems by installing a small venting window in addition to the Dutch door windows—these can be opened slightly even in the coldest weather and will help with air exchange. Whenever possible, site the barn on slightly higher
ground and avoid placing it at the base of a hillside. Hygiene starts with a clean, dry environment—when planning the site, elevate the barn pad just enough so it will not flood during heavy rains and install a curtain drain, which will take water away from the building. The drain system will also take run-off from the roof gutters and, with a little planning, this reclaimed resource can be used to water landscaping or for a variety of other needs. Of course, local zoning restrictions and setback require-
ments will also impact the size, design and location of your horse barn.
Holly: Choose the worst part of the land to build on, so you can look at the best! But—you must consider all the elements you need and the most efficient, but aesthetic, placement.
PREVIOUS PAGE (opening photo): A Virginia indoor arena designed by Pegasus. ABOVE: A Beautiful New England barn, built in Connecticut by King Construction.
36 March/April 2015
Most people underestimate square footage for egress and storage/support. That affects efficiency and safety. Then you need to consider sun angles, views, prevailing winds and drainage.
What are a few key functions of any barn design? Georgia: The number of horses and their use will often determine the support areas you’ll need for function and convenience.
Sizing and location of the tack room, feed room, wash and groom stalls, for example, will all influence how well and efficiently the barn functions. And an experienced horse barn builder can help with deci- sions about laundry facilities, bathrooms, blanket storage, hay and bedding storage, manure handling, all of the mechanicals and other key details.
Holly: Two ways of access for stalls— meaning doors that go through to the
outside, not just windows—are essential for safety. Also try to build enough grooming/wash stalls; cross ties in the aisle are not safe and stifle flow. It’s the relationship of the parts that make it function
correctly and, depending on your topography and climate, you need to change those relationships. We get stuck in a rut about barn layout having to be the same because that is all you know. Every barn should reflect the setting and particu- lar climate in which it is to be built—not a one size fits all approach. Most people underestimate the square footage needed
for support and storage. Having too many stalls and then using them for storage is not a safe, effective plan. Talk to someone who asked the right questions to get you think- ing about how you will manage your space. It’s a great way to reevaluate and test your horse management plan. And it is a great opportunity to learn what goes into creating a safe environment for all.
What do you recommend for hay and equipment storage? Georgia: I still prefer hay in the loft—it helps to insulate/ keep the main floor of the barn warmer in the winter, and it’s much more convenient to use hay drops than it is to transport hay to the barn and then distribute it stall by stall. Almost everyone buys hay from dealers, so the hay they’re purchasing has already been through the cure, thus no threat
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