Preparing for a Horse Barn

Horse barns vary widely in size and materials but preparations for every type involve the same basic steps.

Just like their human owners, horses require basic necessities such as food, water, and even shelter. Building a barn for your horse is likely the most expensive undertaking of your horse ownership and should be carefully researched before beginning. Whether building your own barn or having a pre-made barn installed, a certain amount of preparation is required before construction may commence.

Things You'll Need

• Building plans
• Excavation equipment
• Trencher
• Plumbing pipes
• Electrical conduit pipes
• Post hole digger

Instructions

1. Seek approval for your barn from the local planning and zoning board. Take building plans and fill out necessary paperwork to receive the needed building permit to begin your construction. Familiarize yourself with important zoning regulations that are pertinent to barn-building, including the depth required for plumbing and electrical pipes.

2. Level your building site. Proper drainage is critical, so it is advisable to have a percolation test done on your soil prior to excavation to ensure the site will drain. If it does not, you may wish to choose another site or bring fill dirt to improve the drainage.

3. Dig necessary trenches for utilities. All barns require electricity and water in strategic locations. Install the pipes for these locations, pulling wire through the electrical conduit, and burying lines before finishing your foundation.

4. Dig holes for your poles, relying on your building plans for depth. Poles usually will be set in concrete before framing and roofing begin.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, allow your foundation to settle for a period of time before beginning construction on the barn.

• Utilities and other aspects of construction must be inspected and approved upon completion of construction. It is advisable to use a licensed plumber and electrician to ensure that part of construction is done correctly and will pass inspection for safety.

References

• Horse Barns, Stables, and Fencing Information
• Horse Barn on a Budget; Cherry Hill; 2008