When you plan out and build your dream barn, it’s important to also think about how the barn will work on a day-to-day basis. When you’re caring for your horses or tacking up to go for a ride, saving even just a few minutes of time here and there can allow you to get more done while sticking to a schedule. These five barn design choices can save you time on chores so you’re able to spend more time in the saddle.
Run-In Stalls
Strategically positioning your barn so that it’s located close to the paddocks can cut down on the amount of time that it takes you to turn out and turn in horses each day. To further streamline this chore, though, consider building run-in stalls that allow horses to come and go as they please. Turning in and out then becomes a matter of opening up the exterior stall doors each day, rather than haltering horses, leading them out, and returning for the next.
Paddocks with Sheds
Want to be done with turning horses in and out altogether? Then designing your paddocks to incorporate sheds can eliminate the need to take horses in and out each day. During the summer, your horses can spend most, if not all, of their time outdoors in their turnouts. Plus, you won’t have to worry about being home and running out to bring them in if bad weather strikes while they’re outdoors.
Automatic Waterers
Installing automatic waterers in paddocks and in stalls can dramatically cut down on the amount of time you spend watering horses each day. Automatic waterers are easy and convenient, and they ensure that clean water is always available to your horses.
It you aren’t ready to go with automatic waterers in your barn, then definitely consider a water system that includes lines to each stall, or that allows you to install a faucet between every two or three stalls.
Centralized Storage
Think about how many trips to make to the tack room, feed room, or barn office each day. By positioning these features toward the center of your barn, you can reduce the amount of time you spend walking from area to area. This is particularly beneficial when you’re working with a larger barn.
Generous Aisle Size
Investing in a wider barn aisle will pay off in multiple ways. A large aisle that allows you to drive a tractor through can quickly speed up stall cleaning and feeding in larger facilities. For busy facilities, an aisle that allows for two horses to safely pass by each other can also save you valuable time each day, particularly during busy times when many people are present.
Implementing Your Choices
If you like any of the ideas above, or if you have ideas of your own that you’d like to implement in your barn, Equine Facility Design can help. Please contact us today – we’d love to learn more about your project.