[RC] Barn Plans and Suggestions - Betty Demar Mueller
I have 3 horses and have decided to have a barn
built to house (in bad weather and shelter from flies) up to 4 horses and a
goat. I have gotten information from Barnmaster on pre-fab barns (John
Lyons approval) and have also gotten a couple of books on pole barn
building. Naturally, none of the information totally suits my needs so I
need help with tips on what I should do. I have a good uphill location
with good drainage for the barn and the woods will make it less windy
there. Being in my 60's.....I don't want a hay loft which most of my pole
barn plans have. Also, I prefer a run in shelter so the horses can come
and go; but would also like to have 2 or 3 stalls to place a sick or a
visiting horse in as desired. Also, I want a tack room and an area to store
feed. I am considering storing the hay elsewhere (maybe a hay shelter to
be built later) but can temporarily use a vacant stall. I want to hear which is
best: pre-fab or pole??????? And where can I get plans with no hayloft and a run
in shelter plus some stalls and a tack area.
The main questions that I have is shall I use
concrete for the flooring with mats and bedding or because of the good
drainage......should I just be happy with a dirt floor or is there a better
idea? My old barn (falling apart) which must be removed....had nothing but
a dirt floor and I don't ever recall problems with damp ground except
during a downpour.
You ridecampers have helped me in the past with
trailer, truck and horse and even roundpen selections and now I need a
barn. Luckily I have the stash, so I can afford any type of barn that I
want. I really need suggestions on how to do it right. I am sure
that I will want power and don't feel that I need water in the barn since I
have a strong stream nearby and the horses self water.
