Building a barn from scratch is a huge project, but it can be done. A well-constructed barn will last a long time and provide safety for your horses.
Once the foundation is poured, you can begin forming your barn. Pay special attention to arena footing, stall areas, and aisles. Use dirt or concrete floors as necessary.
Layout
Competition horses have specific needs that must be considered for their long and short-term health and well-being. These include specialist grains for performance, specialized dietary supplements, and feeding schedules, established highly metered training sessions, and medical and alternative care.
Barns should be built with biosecurity, even if not originally designed that way. This means ensuring adequate air circulation by adding windows, ceiling, and stall fans.
Stall floors should be fitted with rubber mats, 1.5 inches thick, to provide comfort for the horses and prevent slipping for people. Also, wide and tall aisle ways help prevent horses from contact. This helps avoid infections, injuries, and stress. It also makes it easier for large vehicles like hay trucks to enter the barn.
Floors
Whether your show barn Lake County, IL will have concrete or wood plank floors, it’s important that you lay them before starting the rest of your build. The floors keep your animals and equipment on solid ground, halting runoff and erosion and helping to keep your building from sinking into the ground.
When the floor is poured and allowed to set, it’s time to brace your poles. Use 2x6x12s to run horizontal pieces of lumber between vertical poles. Do this all around the building except for the areas where you’ll place doorways.
Choosing the right custom timber frame kit can simplify this process by providing you with all of your materials already cut to size. This will save you a lot of time and energy.
Stalls
Stall dimensions are critical to the comfort and health of the cow. A well-designed stall has ample room to lunge forward as the cow rises and reclines. This requires a high unobstructed opening at the stall front above the resting surface.
A concrete floor with a brushed broom finish is common in stall and wash/groom areas. These floors are easier to clean than dirt or gravel and can be insulated from cold.
Proper stall ventilation is essential for good respiratory health. A window for each stall, eave, ridge vents, and high ceiling are recommended. Avoid storing hay, straw, or bedding above the cow stalls, as they can be fire hazards and inhibit air circulation. This also allows contaminated materials to accumulate, encouraging bacteria growth.
Doors
The doors are one of the most crucial elements when designing your barn. They can make a room feel more open or separate and introduce a new decor element.
When people hear the word “barn door,” they usually think farmhouse-esque or rustic, but plenty of options feel modern, too. Choose doors with straight architectural lines, raw materials, or monochrome colors for a clean look.
The hardware is another important consideration. There are several different kits and a wide variety of hardware styles, from over-the-top technical masterpieces to understated strips of metal that serve their function. You can also snag custom barn door handles that match the rest of the system for a cohesive design.
Roof
A roof can protect from the elements, so you want to ensure your show barn is equipped with a solid, sturdy one. It also can keep you and your horses warm during winter or cool in the summer.
A perfect barn improves a horse’s performance and strengthens their relationship with their human partners. It’s important to know the rules and processes of a show barn before you move in to prepare yourself for what’s involved with ownership.
