Planning and preparation

Ensure ample space for each horse, considering their individual needs and potential health issues. Prioritise good ventilation to prevent respiratory problems.

Determine your budget and explore different building options and materials that fit your financial constraints. Naturally, American barns tend to be more costly. That is because they have a bigger footprint and additional structural requirements. However, when you own several horses, the time saved, and the comfort gained can offset the initial price.

Choose a well-drained location close to your home for easy access to feeding, watering, and care. Consider the local climate and ensure proper drainage.

How big and tall of a building can you erect? Are you building on residential or agricultural land?

American barns have a higher ridge height, so depending on the classification of your land, you might need to hire an architect to help you obtain planning permission.

Make sure to contact your Local Planning Authority as early as possible. Remember that permitted development rights do not apply in “designated lands” such as Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and conservation areas.

Incorporate features like windows, doors, and ventilation grills to allow for good airflow.

Ample ventilation is critical to horse health, letting dust and moisture out and preventing respiratory issues. American barns generally offer less ventilation, as they aren’t as open. However, if you design yours well, you will be able to provide your horses with plenty of fresh air.

Ensure each stall has an outdoor-facing window or even a door and include plenty of ventilation grills throughout the building. Finally, open the main door at least once a day.

Ensure adequate natural and/or artificial lighting for safety and ease of cleaning.

An American Barn allows the stables to be housed all under one roof and on opposite rows. This can be particularly helpful for horses which get anxious when stabled, as they can see one another to the side and in front.

Depending on if the stables are going to be for personal use or commercial purposes, will make a difference to layout and choices you will need to make. For example, if the stables are for commercial use, then perhaps consider a livery set up. This is a stable with an individual secure storage area located to the rear and accessed through the stable.

This will be paramount if you are looking at using the stables for business purposes.

Individual storerooms, toilets and a seating / kitchen area might be something to consider. However, these are also worth considering for personal use if the stables are located away from home.