Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the building and construction business, as well as to other horsemen. Take note of all com-
ments so you can consider them when making decisions.
Facility Goals
When putting together a horse farm or ranch, keep the following goals in mind.
Safety.
Facilities should be strong and well designed with horse behavior principles in
mind.
Convenience.
Everyday activities should flow efficiently. Buildings should be placed to
conserve labor and time. Don't forget to plan ample space for access roads and turnarounds.
Locate water within easy access to the places where it is needed.
Protection.
Keep horse comfort in mind and provide protection from sun, wind, precip-
itation, cold, and insects.
Common horse facility components
Barn(s) with stalls
Runs, pens, paddocks, pastures
Storage for feed, bedding, machinery, tack, and other equipment
Manure storage and handling areas
Training areas: round pen, arena, track, hot walker or exerciser, treadmill, pool
Work areas: grooming area, wash rack, shoeing and veterinary area, breeding
shed, laboratory, office, tack room
Driveways, walkways, parking areas, turnarounds
Shelterbelts, windbreaks, wildlife areas, perimeter buffer zones (double fence)
Water and other utilities
Storage.
Always plan for more storage space than you think you will need for feed, bed-
ding, manure, tack, vehicles, and equipment.
Economy.
Without sacrificing quality, consider alternative materials and plans. One
place you don't want to skimp is the finished dimensions of buildings or access lanes. The
layout often takes more space in reality than it looks like it will on paper.
Flexibility.
Keep some degree of adaptability in mind as you plan. Always leave room
for expansion on to your buildings. You may want to shift the emphasis of your acreage in
the future, or you may need to sell it to someone without horses.
