12 Tips for Building Your Perfect Horse Barn - Savvy Horsewoman (2024)

FAQs

Is a 10x10 stall big enough for a horse? ›

An average (15h) horse can be comfortable in a 10×12 or even a 10×10 stall. For a mare and foal, consider two normal horse stall height and size with a removable partition. If you need an odd size stall, like a 10×14 or 12×16, we can do it and it won't cost you anything extra.

The Bottom Line on Choosing Barn Materials

In most cases, metal buildings offer a durable, cost-effective option favored by many horse farms. The upsides of choosing a metal barn include a long, low-maintenance lifespan and quick build time.

‍The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends the following guidelines for appropriate horse stable management and safety: Large horses (17hh+): 3.65m x 4.25m (12ft x 14ft) minimum. Horses: 3.65m x 3.65m (12ft x 12ft) minimum. Large ponies (13.2hh+): 3.05m x 3.65m (10ft x 12ft) minimum.

You'll need room for shavings and bedding, drying racks, wash stalls, and more. There are three other rooms that are essential in any great horse barn design, the Tack Room, the Tool Room, and the Feed Room.

Typical 12x12 stall kits can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 per stall; see here for more on stall options.

Interlocking rubber paving bricks are an excellent flooring. These bricks are very attractive, durable, safe, and comfortable to horses. Another alternate stall flooring is fiber-reinforced polyethylene interlocking blocks. This flooring both is durable and provides good drainage.

For most horse barns and large storage sheds, poured concrete footers is a great choice. Please consult a professional in your area for the proper size and placement of the footers needed for your horse barn or large storage shed foundation. Please note that weather can influence when concrete footers can be poured.

While both center-aisle and shed row barns are popular single-story barn designs, shed row barns will be your most cost-effective option. Since they are built in a simple, stripped-down barn style, they cost less and are easy to work with.

Concrete/Asphalt

The benefits of concrete or asphalt stall flooring include easy cleaning and sanitation, plus virtually no maintenance. However, drainage is nearly nonexistent and more bedding is necessary to avoid odor and traction problems.

An average-sized horse (about 14-16 hands) can fit comfortably in a 12' x 12' stall. That being said, one can consider a smaller stall such as 10'x12′ – depending on personal preferences and stall usage. Ponies, Welsh or Shetland breeds typically will do well in a 10' x 10' stall.

Can two horses share a stable? ›

It depends! As long as the stable is big enough and they are happy share space and food, then there is no reason ponies can't share a stable. However, while we'd love to assume that all ponies would be happier being in with another good friend, this isn't always the case, particularly when it comes to mealtimes!

A hand is four inches, and a horse who is sixteen hands and two inches will be described as “16.2hh.”

You'll also want to carefully consider the direction your barn should face. You want to be prepared to counteract the seasons, keeping your barn warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The best way to achieve this is to face your structure in the east/west direction.

He recommends 75 feet between the house and the barn, but on smaller properties, even closer would be OK. Apart from regular, daily chores, consider how veterinarians can access the barn with their vehicles and where you can back a trailer to the barn door.

While both center-aisle and shed row barns are popular single-story barn designs, shed row barns will be your most cost-effective option. Since they are built in a simple, stripped-down barn style, they cost less and are easy to work with. Dig a 4-foot-deep (1.2-meter-deep) post hole at each corner of the site.

If your horse is less than 16 hands high (generally under 1,300 pounds), it should be quite comfortable in a 10x10 stall. To keep your horse safe and comfortable, finding the best 10x10 horse stall mats is an imperative step in the right direction.

The typical United States stall size is 12 by 12 feet square. This is a good size for many horses, but will be too small for some larger horses, such as drafts and warmbloods. Larger horses benefit from 12-by-14-foot stalls (minimum) or 14-by-14-foot stalls.

The British Horse Society regulations are that horses require a stable measuring a minimum of 12ft x 12ft. For larger breeds, preferably 12ft x 14ft. For ponies the recommended minimum stable size should be 10ft x 10ft, or 10ft x12ft for larger ponies.

Ponies, Welsh or Shetland breeds typically will do well in a 10' x 10' stall. Warmblood, thoroughbred and draft breeds (breeds that are usually 16 to 18 hands tall) need 12' x 12' and larger stalls.