from spontaneous combustion and therefore not the safety issue it once was. And, with safe, sealed lighting and protected wiring in
the barn and loft, hay and bedding storage above the stalls is both safe and a big labor saver. I prefer separate buildings for equipment storage, espe- cially because gasoline and other flammables are typically stored in the garage.
Holly: A separate structure. Period.
“If it benefits the horse’s well being as well as your own, it’s a necessity. If it doesn’t, it’s a luxury.”
Which features should people consider necessities and what are luxuries? Georgia: The safety and comfort of the horses is always my first consideration, so I consider Dutch doors with windows a necessity—they provide so much more natural light and ventilation, and they’re a safe means of egress if the horses need to be evacuated. No one has to run into the barn, and all horses can be reached in an emergency. Also a necessity: electrical wiring that is designed and
installed by someone who knows barns. Wiring should always be encased in rodent-proof piping/tubing and light- ing fixtures and fans should always be rated for agricultural use. Since almost all barn fires are electrical in origin, it’s imperative to prevent tragedy by spending the money to do this right. No big box store fixtures, no box fans, no exten- sion cords—with proper planning and design, the horses will be so much safer. Especially important for cold climates: since most barns
are on a well, always budget/plan for a generator so the horses can be watered when there’s a power outage.
Holly: If it benefits the horse’s well being as well as your own, it’s a necessity. If it doesn’t, it’s a luxury. We need to always be evaluating our reasons for wanting the newest thing. But if in your horse management program goals, an oval walker or a solarium fits the bill, by all means figure out how to do it. All the rest is basic. Build a place you want to spend all your time in, because you will.
On a limited budget, which luxuries are worth splurging on? Georgia: One of the single best recommendations I can make is for stall mattresses instead of standard stall mats. Although they are a bigger initial invest- ment, mattresses will quickly pay for themselves in labor and cost savings because you’ll use much less bedding and the horses will be more comfortable. Stall mattresses offer great cushion, so they’re
perfect for older horses, for broodmares and foals and for horses in heavy training; they will give all horses better cushion, more comfort and much better insula- tion from the cold than mats with heavy bedding.
TOP: Customized tack room with a slate tile floor with radiant floor heat designed by King Construction. MIDDLE AND BOTTOM: The tack room and groom/ wash area at River’s Edge Farm in New Jersey.
Warmbloods Today 37
King Construction/
kingbarns.com and Three Lights Photography
King Construction/
kingbarns.com and Stefan Neary
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