What Do I Need for a Horse Barn?

Horse barns may be constructed in a variety of sizes and styles. All horse barns, however, require certain standard elements of design, function and equipment.

  1. Construction

    • Horse barns must have at least one 12-by-12 enclosed stall with a gate for each horse in order to safely contain horses and keep them from fighting among themselves. A separate, lockable area to store feed and tack is required. Horses may become ill or die from having unlimited access to rich feeds or supplements and equipment may be damaged if stepped on or chewed by a curious horse.

      Ventilation is also a necessity for horse barns. Barns that do not have any source of airflow, or only have minimal airflow, may become too hot to safely house living animals during warm months.

    Amenities

    • The barn must have running water, even if it is provided by a hose through a hole in a wall. Barns also must have a source of light. Windows and door openings should keep barns from being too dark during daylight, but an electric or battery-operated light fixture should be available at night in case of emergency.

    Fixtures

    • Typical barns have feed and water buckets, ties with which to secure horses, gates or doors to close the barn, fans to improve ventilation and fly misters or traps to keep bug populations under control. Barns must also be equipped with a pitchfork and wheelbarrow for cleaning stalls.