When developing your property for horse-keeping, there are many things you should consider. The perfect home for your horses needs to meet and cater to their needs, such as wide mobility spaces, safety, and protection from different weather conditions.
Although it may seem easy, planning, building, and developing a property suitable for your horses takes a long time. The article below offers tips for developing your property to ensure your horses are happy and healthy.
Determining the ideal barn location
Finding a spot on your property wide enough for a structure and a riding area is one of the most important things when building a barn. If you have a barn close to your home, you will easily take your horses for a daily walk, feed them, and groom them effortlessly, even multiple times a day.
The place where you would set up your barn needs to have good drainage options, be connected to various utilities, and be close to the road. When you find the perfect spot, visit it a few times a day to determine the wind direction and air circulation so you know how to orient the barn. When strong winds come from various directions, you want to have a stable barn with accessible entrances to reach your barn from what is most convenient.
Choosing the barn type and layout
The barn’s layout can be just as creative as when making a home design. You want to have an efficient space where you can minimize and save time:
- Saving time refers to eliminating all unnecessary steps for each activity you take. For example, you want to have water, feeding, and grooming nearby. This way, you cut down on walking distance and save plenty of time.
- Minimizing the mess is essential when it comes to planning your barn layout. Identifying all potential sources of mess can help you create an efficient and clean barn at all times.
If you don’t have the time or skills to figure out a barn layout yourself, you can always explore prebuilt horse barns that match your needs. This option can help you choose the preferred barn type for your needs. Speaking of which, we are exploring the typical barn types below.
Once you have determined the layout of your barn, you need to choose the right type of barn according to your property, area of living, and weather conditions. Some of the types you may want to consider include:
Mobile vs. static stable
Mobile stables can be moved from one place to another and are usually temporary structures that are often faster and cheaper to build.
Static stables are more common and are a great solution when you have many horses and want to separate them individually.
American-style barns
The American-style barns are large buildings that include complete features like storage, washrooms, an office area, and much more. These barns provide better protection from external weather conditions and offer a lot of space allowing your horses to freely move.
Field shelters
Field shelters are a good option for outdoor activities. These buildings offer reliable shelter from various climate conditions and protect horses from pestering pests or insects.
Metal / Wood Barns
Wood is more commonly used as it is easier to use and offers good qualities such as high durability and resistance from rot and decay. On the other hand, metal construction barns are even more durable against weather conditions and insects and decay-proof.
Developing raw land suitable for your horses
When property is acquired in its natural state, it is often referred to as raw land. This type of land doesn’t have any utilities and is away from sewers and other structures, which means that owners will need to prepare it if they want to keep horses there.
Raw land often has trees, rocks, and bushes found on it, which need to be removed to pave the way for a well-structured barn or stable for raising and breeding horses. However, landowners need to learn about the area’s many advantages and use these benefits to maximize the land’s natural resources by utilizing intelligent land management practices.
Consider the country-specific laws
In some countries, some specific equine laws and regulations permit only one horse per half-acre, so it is relevant to find land with enough space for the herd you want to raise on the property.
Soil quality is crucial if you want to develop a healthy pasture. For example, the ideal soil pH should be pH 6.5, allowing the grass to be most nutritious and healthy. Air ventilation and enough sunlight is also one of the considerations to think about.
Create a wide riding area with a suitable fence
A wide riding area can be created both indoors and outdoors. However, owners of multiple horses tend to enjoy outdoor options better as they allow the horses to feel free and learn about their environment at all times.
If you choose the pasture for your horses, you need to select the correct type of fence. This is often a rail fence or a fine mesh fence without sharp edges that prevent horses from getting injured.
Preparing A Shelter For All Seasons
Certain areas have harsher winters than others, with heavy snow and windstorms, while spring and summer often bring rainy days. Because every season is different, horse owners will have to establish a shelter suitable for all types of weather and varying temperatures throughout the year.
During the summer, ensuring horses are in sheltered zones with circulating fans and thermometers to check their temperature is key to maintaining proper horse-keeping conditions. Owners also need to ensure access to potable water and water sources so that the animals can stay cool and hydrated. Misting fans are another great option, but the electrical wiring needs to be carefully protected and away from the animals.
During the winter, horses need to be in an enclosed barn to keep them warm and safe from frostbite or snow-related injuries.
Conclusion
Horses are among the most prized animals on the planet. They are majestic creatures that deserve a comfortable and spacious environment. These tips for developing a property for horse keeping can help future, or current horse owners raise a happy and thriving herd.
Consider thoroughly planning where and how you will build your ideal horse barn and consult professionals for optimal results.
