How would you improve this barn?

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prosefullstop

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DH and I are currently looking at horsey properties an hour or so outside the city. While it would be a weekend place for a few years, we'd eventually be there full-time.

I've fallen in love with one place. It's an old home on 4.5 acres, four acres of which are fenced paddocks. The barn is new--three stalls, electricity, hay loft and tack room--but having researched a few threads on American-style barns, I'm starting to wonder if it would require some structural amendments i.e. bigger windows, proper dividing walls. What do you all think?

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And one of the paddocks, just for the heck of it :D

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H's mum said:
I think it looks absolutely gorgeous - why on earth would you want to alter it?
Kate x
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Reading through a couple of threads on American-style barns, a lot of downsides cropped up i.e horses disliking grilles instead of proper dividing walls, poor ventilation etc. I think it looks lovely, too, but this will be my first experience of using American barns and owning horses (loaned two in my teens, but that was fifteen years ago, and back in England), and, well, I'm the sort to fret about getting things right :)

It doesn't have a menage, but 1/10 mile up the road begins 100 miles of bridle trails. I wish I was there already!
 
I think I've misunderstood the question :confused:, I can't see anything I'd change.
It looks lovely.

Is there a house with it? That'd be the icing on the cake!!
 
:eek: You haven't bought it yet?! What are you waiting for? Quite stunning.

Absolutely beautiful. Smashing stalls, presumably if the owners have taken that much trouble with the stalling and interior you'll have hydro and water in properly already.I can see decent lighting, and look - they have door mats too! Decent windows at the back of the stalls, and I like that the sliding doors have windows in them as well, partitions are fine too.

Is that just hay storage above or tackroom/apartment? The exterior looks in decent condition (nothing else to be expected). I love bank barns and this one has been really well converted, not like some of the dark, dank, low rabbit warrens I have seen. I wouldn't worry about the horses not liking grills, NA horses seem to accept an awful lot of things and these are pretty classy grills, you do have the windows behind for ventilation, are there any other windows/vents? Doors at both ends of the aisle? What did it smell like to you - musty, stuffy? (I am a barn junkie, I nose about in every one I am allowed to - and some I'm not - and I have seen some horrors believe me) This has got to be one of the nicest I have seen, I'd be ashamed to house my motley crew in there!


*wipes drool off keyboard* (Whatever is the house like? Actually who cares!))
 
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quirky said:
I think I've misunderstood the question :confused:, I can't see anything I'd change.
It looks lovely.

Is there a house with it? That'd be the icing on the cake!!
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In some of the old threads I read through, a lot of people stated that horses become stressed when they are divided by stabling that has metal grilles, where they can see each other, instead of enjoying the privacy afforded by a traditional stable. Maybe I am worrying myself far too much. In any case, we haven't even seen the place in the flesh (roll on next weekend).

Yes, there's a house :)

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prosefullstop said:
In some of the old threads I read through, a lot of people stated that horses become stressed when they are divided by stabling that has metal grilles, where they can see each other, instead of enjoying the privacy afforded by a traditional stable. Maybe I am worrying myself far too much. In any case, we haven't even seen the place in the flesh (roll on next weekend).

Yes, there's a house :)

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Oh boy.........

that's quite acceptable really;)
 
wouldnt worry to much about the metal grilles, my boy used to be in stables seperated like this and he seemed very happy :) that is a rather lovely barn!
 
Oh wow, that just lucks the full ticket.

I hope it is as great when you see it in the flesh.

If the horses don't like the grilles, you could always rig some stud board up. Or better still, if you've got grouchy ones, move them to the ends so they only have one neighbour.
 
Barn look's amazing, my horses live in barns in england (nothing as grand!) they have monarch stables so seperated by grills, they are always happy.

Can I just ask is this in Canada, im hoping to move out there end of next year and if this is what I have to look forward to, woowee!!
 
DollyCoblet said:
Can I just ask is this in Canada, im hoping to move out there end of next year and if this is what I have to look forward to, woowee!!
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Most stabling in Canada is in barns, but they aren't all like that!

A lot of bank barns (built into banks, vehicles, hay etc can be loaded from a higher ramp. Livestock accomodation was at a lower level) are low - think less than 15' and dark. Putting in windows is often impractical as the walls are stone built and often very thick. You get a lot of metal framed (heavily insulated) barns like mine too, mine is a fair size, but over 30 years old and apart from some cosmetic work and de-junking (this was taken before we'd cleared all the stalls) we haven't done much to it, it is actually a lot lighter than it looks in this, and a case of "It isn't broke...so it can wait" several kms of fencing seem more important.
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You will be startled by the sizes, 12 x 12 is considered large, mine are 10 x 11 and I have Boarders who are quite happy for 16 - 17h horses to overnight in them. Oddly enough, the horses are quite happy too. Actually, horse keeping over here altogether is very different, takes a bit of getting used to, but there is nothing wrong with it.

Ps. Whereabouts (Province wise) are you moving to?
 
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Thank you for the info, I wouldnt be taking my mare over there, she doesnt travel in a trailor and gets funny in a lorry at times so would never ever risk it, also she is mainly TB and hates the cold. I will buy a horse over there, they must be 100% different though!
I love barns so am looking forward to that way of life.
We are looking at Alberta, Calgary mainly, have been over there many times and absolutly love it, helps having relatives over there.
Whereabouts are you based? take it you are from the UK from previous posts?
 
Many horses are absolutely fine with grilles and actually like the contact with their neighbours, but if you do get the odd grumpy one just add a bit of board on top of the grilles and that should sort things out.

The barn seems to have a lot of windows in all directions which should create a cross draft, but if you find you need more ventilation, roof vents are very easy to install and they will allow the hot air to escape through the top.

The house also looks amazing! Hope you go ahead with the purchase!
 
DollyCoblet said:
Whereabouts are you based? take it you are from the UK from previous posts?
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I'm from Southern Ontario - the warm part of the country! :)
(Sometimes. Tee shirts and knocking 30C yesterday, three layers and 12C today:rolleyes:)
Well, BC is warmer, but wetter, give me less rain anyday:)
 
Oh tell me Calgary doesnt suffer from the wet stuff, it's one of my convincing factors for going the lack of rain! Have been over for 3 weeks in July/August and it was SUNNY every single day, then went for 5 weeks Dec/jan and it was snowy/cold the whole time, so was a bit smitten. I cant cope with the UK's weather any more.
Lots to look forward to esp the barns and horsey living.
 
Wow, I thought the first pic was the house, didn't realise it was one of the outside of the barn lol. The house looks fab.
I wouldn't change anything about it. I think they are happier if they can see each other.
Am I right in thinking that you don't have the horses to put in it yet?
 
DollyCoblet said:
Oh tell me Calgary doesnt suffer from the wet stuff, it's one of my convincing factors for going the lack of rain!
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Mountains = rain:) + coldness.

Actually I'd put up with the wetness for the scenery, ON is a bit flat and dull, but the job is here and I promised the child we'd stay until she finished High School.

Different climate, my SAD and most of my creakiness vanished as soon as I landed on Canadian soil, as did OH's animal allergies:D

Calgary also = Stampede on your doorstep, I envy you that, I'd have a couple thousand miles to go to that.
 
i would find it barely tolerable......



lol.
it looks smashing. the only way you can tell about ventiliation really is to get a full house and all the nets and bedding in.
if the windows at the back open i would think there is plenty. its lovely and light too
the only slight issue i could imagine is the slightly narrow walkway if you have a biter in.....
 
chestnuttymare said:
Wow, I thought the first pic was the house, didn't realise it was one of the outside of the barn lol. The house looks fab.
I wouldn't change anything about it. I think they are happier if they can see each other.
Am I right in thinking that you don't have the horses to put in it yet?
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Not yet. I resumed riding last year after a fifteen-year break, so I want to get up to speed with my knowledge and skills before adding the ponios. I'm from the jodphur clip/mollichop/huge skullcap era, so coming back to riding after such a long absence is quite surreal.

I'm thinking of two horses--a plod for my novice husband, and something I can hack/hunter trial/a wee bit of SJ.
 
DollyCoblet said:
Barn look's amazing, my horses live in barns in england (nothing as grand!) they have monarch stables so seperated by grills, they are always happy.

Can I just ask is this in Canada, im hoping to move out there end of next year and if this is what I have to look forward to, woowee!!
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This is 90 minutes north of NYC.
 
Hi Ihave designed quite afew stables and used alot more! I also have a building company so I can make a few observations on your barn
The first one is its beautiful:):)
But more importantly you will need to check the ventilation is adequate as horses require a lot of fresh air and this barn has very little air space, dont ever shut the doors when horses are inside and ensure there is a second route for air to exit but not located where you will get a draft. consider using haylage to reduce dust and use a dust free bedding. larger windows may only create a bigger danger of them breaking when meeting the force of an annoyed horse.
Also ask for proof from the builder that the tanking around the building is as good as it can be as it is built into the bank. dampness is as damaging in stables as it is in houses as horses are affected by the moulds it produces.
The posts by the doors are quite prominant (but very pretty). Iknow my horses would love to wrap their reins around them and catch their headcollars on them.
Also consider asking the builder to fit kick latches as some horses are escape artists when there is only one bolt!
With the right atable management this barn can be a lovely place to keep your horse, warm in winter and cool in summer. I hope you enjoy it.
 
omg i want to move to canada. my friends already over there but the only thing thats stopping me is taking the animals ! :

the house is stunning - can i come for a visit :D
 
A wee update for those of you who are interested...

Hubs and I went to look at the place, fell head over heels in love with the grounds and barn, and loved the house as well. The barn seems to have better ventilation than I expected, but I should imagine I'd do 24/7 turnout in the good months, and move the (theoretical) horses to a local barn with an indoor school to escape the treacherous winter weather.

The paddocks, of course, looked perfect, but don't they always in summer? Every square inch was used, which was great. The house directly to the right is also on five acres and has horses, while the house across the street has more horses, more land, and a nice all-weather arena. An English accent goes a long way over here, so I'd like to think, if I introduce myself armed with vino and shortbread, they wouldn't mind me using it ;)

The house does need a little work indoors, but we think it might just be worth it. We're off for a second look this Sunday, so fingers crossed our assessment of what needs renovating isn't too extensive.

The area itself is great. I'd only have to hack 1/10th of a mile on the road, and then I'd be on the trails. The hunt territory is behind the house, and local riders are free to jump the many hunt jumps, so long as you are a member of the trail system. Can't wait!
 
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