Horses are one of the most popular animals in the world. From backyards to the Olympics, these majestic animals are loved by people everywhere.
Shelter is very important to horses. A shed row horse barn is a great solution. Shed rows are designed with Dutch doors, no aisle ways, and and easy inclusion of a tack room. For a small barn, and aisle, though convenient, is not necessary. To capitalize on space, cost, and material required, a shed row horse barn is a wise choice.
Shed row barns are constructed with a treated lumber superstructure. Treated lumber should also be used at the bottom of the stall walls and for the sill plate. Exposure to horse manure and urine, and ground moisture accelerates the deterioration of the wood.
The optimum stall width is twelve feet. Stall lengths can range from twelve feet up to sixteen or eighteen feet for a mare and foal stall or stallion stall. Above the treated lumber on the stall walls plywood or rough cut 2x12 s should be installed to a total height of about five feet. Then bars or wire installed another three feet above the wood.
Horse barn designs for shed rows can also include a tack room. For a smaller barn a 12'x8' or 12'x10' room makes a nice size. It also allows for grain storage. A cement floor in the tack room is a nice enhancement. Saddle racks can be mounted along one wall with bridle racks above. A shelf can even be added above the bridle racks. Grain and sweet feed should be located on the opposite side of the room, away from the tack. Grain can be easily stored in metal or rubber trash cans.
Shed row horse barn design utilize the split opening Dutch door. A wise design modification is to make the door opening twelve inches wider and taller than usual.
For small horse barns, consider choosing a shed row.