One of the main concerns when planning a new horse barn is determining its size. However, if you follow some basic guidelines, there's no need to worry.
Start by considering the number and type of horses you have, your riding style, storage needs, climate conditions, and your budget. It's important to ask a knowledgeable person for advice during this planning phase.
Carolina Storage Solutions, a seasoned expert with years of experience, understands that each equestrian project is unique. We offer valuable insights to ensure your barn size meets your horses' requirements perfectly.
Building Size Considerations
The number of horses, whether yours or boarded, both now and in the future, plays a crucial role in deciding how big a building is. This directly affects the number of stalls needed. A typical building width is 36 feet, with a 12-foot alley flanked by 12-foot-wide stalls on either side and a height of 10 feet.
The building's length will depend on the number and length of the stalls and additional rooms, such as a tack room, wash bay, bathroom, lounge/office, and storage for feed, hay, and equipment.
It's crucial to have a center aisle at least 12 feet wide. Aisles narrower than 10 feet can be too restrictive for horses passing each other, especially if they tend to be territorial. A wider aisle also reduces the likelihood of damage occurring around doorways.
Stall Size
The typical stall size for an average 1,000-pound horse is now commonly accepted as 12 feet by 12 feet. This size allows horses to comfortably turn around, lie down, get up, and be groomed. There has been a trend away from smaller 10-foot by 10-foot stalls previously requested. To accommodate different needs, movable dividers can be installed, especially for foaling.
Riding Arena
When considering a riding arena, the size should align with your intended use. For casual riding, a standard indoor arena measuring 60 feet wide by 120 feet long with a minimum height of 14 feet provides ample space. However, if you're involved in dressage or require more maneuverability for jumping, increasing the dimensions to 70 feet wide by 200 feet long and a height of 16 feet is recommended. This larger size accommodates faster speeds and jumping exercises and allows sufficient room for comfortable turns and maneuvers, enhancing the overall riding experience for you and your horses. Proper dimensions ensure safety and comfort, providing an enjoyable environment for training and leisure activities.
Hay and Equipment Storage
When it comes to hay storage, minimizing fire risks is paramount. Many horse owners store just enough hay for about a week to mitigate these risks. For those managing a small number of horses for personal use, having a separate wing or room dedicated to hay storage is often sufficient. However, more extensive operations with more horses and staff usually prefer a separate building specifically for hay storage.
In addition to hay storage, adequate space for tools and equipment is essential. This includes wheelbarrows, brooms, ladders, buckets, lawn tractors, four-wheelers, and trailers. Proper storage ensures that these tools are easily accessible and kept in good condition.
For expert guidance on designing your horse barn and storage facilities, consider contacting Carolina Storage Solutions at (877) 305-4277 or (828) 863-4974.