Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Functional Horse Barn Designs Alberta

By Stacey Burt


Owning horses is not only a great privilege but also a significant responsibility. Many people are only too happy to take on the challenge and join the ever growing ranks of equestrians. They will enjoy not only the fun and exercise of riding, but also the wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes from taking care of these beautiful and intelligent animals.

Providing suitable housing for horses is always a challenge. Horse barn designs Alberta provide a number of excellent options. There are great plans for everything from a small one stall set up, to huge barns that house thirty to forty animals under one roof. All are put together with quality in mind.

From the local back yard owners with just a few horses to the huge operations that house upwards of fifty animals, careful design and planning is crucial. Although horses are beautiful animals they are also a lot of work. They need shelter from the harsh winter weather as well as shade from the intense summer sunshine and insects. Creating a great facility that is easy to work in and functional takes careful planning right from the start.

Functionality is one of the most key factors to keep in mind. The area should be easy to maintain and easy to work in. Time is a very important issue that can never be overlooked. Keeping everything close together will save a lot of time, especially in the long run. A centrally located tack and feed room will really be a bonus. This allows the workers quick access to not only feed, but also medicine and first aid supplies.

Building materials are also another important part of the building process. Most people choose wood as is it a readily available and versatile option. It is also relatively affordable and can be cut to size. This can save a lot of time in the construction phase. Having a contractor who is familiar with the needs of horses and their owners is another really key factor. They should spend time going over the plans carefully to make sure that nothing has been missed.

Interior features are very important. Many people like to add hay racks to the walls of a small barn to save hay from being trampled and wasted. A built in feed trough is also a nice touch. The addition of a central watering system is also an option. Although it can save time the water dispensers will still need to be cleaned regularly.

Owners should look for a design that provides maximum flexibility. It is quite typical of people to start out with a small facility and gradually add on. If the initial design accounts for future expansion this will save a lot of time and money. There is a huge difference between the needs of a small home based equine operation and a big commercial facility.

Storage is also a very significant feature to consider. Horses eat a lot of hay and it is vital to have sufficient room to store enough hay to last through the long snowy winters. Alberta can experience massive snow fall and very cold temperatures. A good barn owner will have enough hay on site to last them through so that they are not caught out in the dead of winter. Hay prices often increase dramatically as the winter progresses and it is cheaper to buy in the summer months.




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