6 Popular Types of Horse Barn Structures - STABLE STYLE (2024)

6 Popular Types of Horse Barn Structures - STABLE STYLE (1)

When it comes to horse barns, there are countless design and building material options. However, there are only a handful of different types of structures. Read on to learn about the various horse barn types and how to decide what is best for your future barn. This helpful blog post is brought to you by American Stalls.

Post & Beam Barns

6 Popular Types of Horse Barn Structures - STABLE STYLE (2)

One of the most common barn structures is post and beam. It is also referred to as a pole barn, framed barn or panelized “prefabricated” barn. Popular on the East Coast, a post and beam barn is cost effective for several reasons. Usually the barn ispre-engineered for most land sites or not engineered at all.A pre-engineered building is a metal building that includes a structural frame and standard roof and wall support. Pre-engineered simply means that it is pre-built in a factory and then erected on the site. In contrast, a “non-engineered” barn would be where the builders use materials to build the structure onsite.

These barns are usually made with 6’x6’ or 4’x4’ timbers on 12’ or 14’ centers, covered using a single wall construction of tongue and groove lumber (T&G).

Often a general contractor can put up the shell and leave the remaining work to the builder which saves money.Luxury barn builders will go one step further when insulation is required. In these cases, the barn’s exterior will be framed with a sheer wall and a finished wall on the barn interior.

There is a little less flexibility with a post and beam barn. Wood is a great choice for these barns, but it’s important to acknowledge that these barns have a limited lifespan.This is because the wood needs to be protected from the horses who may chew, crib or eat the exposed edges. Column spacing limits what can be done with the barn’s interior which means this single use structure is limited by its configuration.

Panelized/Prefab Barns

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Above, a new prefab barn at True North Show Horses.

Panelized barns are also known as “prefab barns”. These barns kits are commonly sold under brand names and are often found in California, Oregon, Washington and Texas. Panelized barns are cost-effective structures that do the basic job of housing your horses. These structures can also be built quickly without much permit issues. That being said, sometimes these barns offer little to no flexibility for custom design options.

Framed Barns

6 Popular Types of Horse Barn Structures - STABLE STYLE (4)

Above, a framed barn at Arbor Hill Stables.

Framed barnsprovide the most flexibility and functionality when it comes to post and beam construction, they are a more substantial version of a post and beam barn. These particular buildings are commonly used when there must be an upper story to the barn for an apartment, office, or other application.

Framed barns are built similarly to homes because they use a double wall construction. This construction allows for more architectural detail and creativity in building materials. The sky (and a client’s budget) is truly the limit in these buildings.

Clear Span Buildings – Steel & Wood

Clear span barns (both wood and steel) may or may not have a framed wall. They do use a truss to clear the span in the shorter side of the building. Trusses are usually one of three types: timber trusses, metal tube trusses or scissor trusses. These engineered buildings require experienced builders due to the need for a foundation.

Once permitted and the foundation is done, a clear span building can be built quickly offsite and “assembled” (bolted) together on the job site. In terms of budget, clear span buildings can be utilitarian – using inexpensive siding and roofing materials. They can also be extremely costly if you add stone walls, slate roofs, and steeper roof pitches.

Clear span steel barns are fantastic in terms of longevity since horses do not have places to chew.

Block Barns (CMU)

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CMU is commonly known as cinder block. Block or CMU barnsare becoming increasingly popular in geographies with warmer climates, prone to inclement weather. Block barns are very popular in Florida because of their strength against hurricanes and tropical storms.

CMU barns provide adurable structure that will last against the elements – including weather and horses’ day-to-day wear and tear. American Stalls recommends you to find a high-quality builder for any barn structure, but especially block barns. This is because there are certain details that need to be done right to ensure your barn is safe for your horses and built to last.

For example, some horse owners express concerns about the block’s hardness in stalls. Cinder block walls can be covered with padded rubber in the stalls. Additionally, block edges and corners must be either ground down or covered with a steel angle iron.

If you are considering a block barn, it’s important to let American Stalls know well in-advance to ensure there is sound communication between the builder, their team and the architect(s). This is to make sure the openings are accurate for the stalls, doors, partitions, windows and other components in the barn.

Indoor Arenas with Stabling

Covered or fully enclosed arenas are growing in popularity – especially in regions that have a harsher climate. Although you might have a barn in addition to the arena, it can be worth it to also plan limited stabling with the arena. Horse stalls can be installed off the arena’s long side or short side depending on your quantity needs. An indoor arena also offers flexibility as the side spaces can accommodate everything from stalls to office space to vehicle storage.

Do you need help with a barn project? Contact American Stalls at (855) 957-8255 or complete theirinquiry form. The American Stalls team is here to be a resource to help you build a barn that is elegant, safe, and built to last.

For even more helpful blog posts from American Stalls be sure to read Tips for Finding the Right Contractor for Your Barn,4 Tips for Designing a Safer Aisle for Your Horse Barn,The Benefits of Mesh Stall Frontsandon Stable Style.

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6 Popular Types of Horse Barn Structures - STABLE STYLE (6)

6 Popular Types of Horse Barn Structures - STABLE STYLE (2024)

FAQs

What are the different types of horse stables? ›

There are two main types of stables, traditional stabling and barn stabling.

What are the different types of horse housing? ›

Run-in sheds are often used. Open shed rows are similar to box stalls in a row but the doors are open to the outdoors. Most doors are Dutch Doors, split to allow the top half to be left open for ventilation purposes. This works best in mild climates.

What is the difference between a horse barn and a stable? ›

Most notably, barns are typically much larger than stables and are used for various purposes, such as storage, while stables are smaller and used specifically for housing horses. While both barns and stables serve essential goals, it is clear that they are pretty different from one another.

What are the 4 different types of horses? ›

Classification of Horse Breeds

Horse breeds can be divided into four groups: light horses, draft horses, gaited horses, and ponies. Light horses are suited for riding and racing, draft horses for heavy work, gaited horses for smooth, long rides, and ponies are small yet strong and versatile.

What is the name of a horse barn? ›

A stable is a building in which livestock, especially horses, are kept. It most commonly means a building that is divided into separate stalls for individual animals and livestock.

What is the cheapest horse barn to build? ›

While both center-aisle and shed row barns are popular single-story barn designs, shed row barns will be your most cost-effective option. Since they are built in a simple, stripped-down barn style, they cost less and are easy to work with.

What is a good size for a horse barn? ›

Use the guidelines below to help you determine what size horse barn you should buy: Average-sized horses (15 hands) do well in a 10' by 12' stall. Taller breeds (16 hands) should be in a 12' by 12' stall. Miniature horses or ponies (12 – 14 hands) are comfortable in an 8' by 10' stall.

How to build an affordable horse barn? ›

To build a horse barn on a budget, ensure you;
  1. Plan your layout well.
  2. Keep it one story.
  3. Work with an experienced team.
  4. Limit the number of stalls.
  5. Consider the shed-row style.
  6. Opt for wooden siding.
Jun 24, 2020

What is the best housing for horses? ›

A horse needs a shelter that is large enough for him to move around comfortably, with enough headroom to allow him to stand up and lie down. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least a hundred square feet per horse. The recommended stall size for an average horse is 10 by 12 feet.

What rooms are in a horse stable? ›

You'll need room for shavings and bedding, drying racks, wash stalls, and more. There are three other rooms that are essential in any great horse barn design, the Tack Room, the Tool Room, and the Feed Room. Tack Rooms – It is a good idea to have a tack room that keeps all of your gear safe and dry.

What is the ideal housing for horses? ›

Box stalls allow the animal more freedom of movement than tie stalls. Stalls should be at least 10 feet x 10 feet for a standard riding horse. If the stall is going to house broodmares and foals, the stalls should be a minimum of 10 feet x 14 feet.

What is the best type of horse barn? ›

Lean-Tos -- A lean-to is one of the most important horse barn options to consider. From a practical standpoint, a lean-to keeps you protected from the sun and light rain when working with your horses. From a style perspective, few other accessories provide the standout rustic style of a lean-to.

What is the perfect stable for a horse? ›

Stable size

All passageways should provide sufficient room to enable horses to be led safely past others. All horses are individual, and therefore may need a larger stable size above the minimum recommendations which are: Large horses (17hh+): 3.65m x 4.25m (12ft x 14ft) Horses: 3.65m x 3.65m (12ft x 12ft)

Do horse stables need insulation? ›

If you haven't done it yet, consider insulating the building. Insulation is equally important in the summer and in the winter. It can help to keep the temperature down. You can easily add insulation to the walls, roof, and floor.

What is the difference between stalls and stables? ›

An animal stall is an enclosure housing one or a few animals. Stalls for animals can often be found wherever animals are kept: a horse stable is often a purpose-built and permanent structure. A farmer's barn may be subdivided into animal stalls or pens for cows and other livestock.

What are the 3 horse categories for breeds? ›

For example, horses can be grouped as light, draft, or pony, according to size, weight, and build. Within these groupings horses can be further divided by use, for example, rid- ing, racing, driving, jumping, or utility. They can also be classified as warmblood, coldblood, or ponies.

What are the main types of horse enterprises? ›

Types of Equine Businesses
  • Breeding & Racing. Two equine business types that are generally the least profitable and riskiest ventures are breeding and racing. ...
  • Management. ...
  • Riding and Training. ...
  • Sales.
Nov 2, 2022

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