1965-Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1965 October Voice | Page 26

HORSE BARNS
I
I
I
i
I
Modernization of horse barns has lagged. Since the
era of the Gay Nineties and the days of the draft
horse equines have, for the most part, been confined
to the same old type of box or tie stall. Worse yet,
any deviations from the old way usually have been
based on fads, foibles, or trade secrets; and in alto­
gether too many cases the accent has been on elabo­
rateness. It’s time for a change! In particular, there
is urgent need that science, technology and horsemen
join in developing horse barns for suburban areas.
Before building a horse barn, the owner should ask
himself this searching question: Why is this structure
being built, what purpose is it to serve, and what
are the requisites?
The Arrangement and Location Come First
Regardless of the number of horses and the uses
made of them — for pleasure, showing, racing, train­
ing, breeding, riding academy, or what not — there
are certain general location requisites of horse barns
that should always be met. These follow:
1. Area Arrangement - whether planning a new
horse layout or altering an old one, buildings,
fences, corrals, trees, etc. should be added accord­
ing to an established master plan; for once con­
structed, they are usually difficult and expensive
to move.
2. Efficiency - the entire arrangement should make
for the best use of the land and require a minimum
of walking when caring for horses.
3. The Barn Location - generally some compromises
are necessary. But consideration should be given
to the following desirable features when locating
the horse barn:
(1) Accessibility. It should be on an all-weather
road or lane; thereby facilitating the use of the
horses, delivery of feed and bedding, and removal
of manure. Also, it should be in or adjacent to a
corral, paddock, or pasture.
(2) High and Dry. The barn should be on high
ground, with drainage away from it; thereby mak­
ing for dryness.
(3) Room for Expansion. Provision should always
be made for easy expansion, if and when the
time comes. Often a building can be expanded in
length provided no other structures or utilities
interfere.
26
(4) Availability of Water and Electricity. Water
should be available and plentiful. Likewise, a
power line should be in reasonable proximity.
Requisites of Horse Barns
The horse barn should be designed so as to meet
the following requirements:
1. Environmental Control - man achieves environ­
mental control through clothing, vacationing in
resort areas, air-conditioned homes and cars, etc.
In the wild state, the horse augmented his shaggy
winter coat by seeking the protection afforded by
hills, ravines, and trees; and in the summer he
loitered near shade and water. But man changed
all this. Under domestication, horses must accept
what the caretaker provides.
The primary reason for horse barns is to modify
the environment and protect the horse from rain,
snow, sun, and wind. In doing so, it is important
that stress be minimized. The latter is difficult to
achieve at best, for domesticated horses are in
an unnatural environment.
2. Attractiveness - attractive buildings of any kind
make for a "heap, of living,” and horse barns are
no exception. Also, they enhance the sale value of
the property. A horse barn that has utility value,
is in good proportion, and is in harmony with the
natural surroundings will have aesthetic value.
3. Well Ventilated - ventilation refers to the chang­
ing of air — the replacement of foul air with fresh
air. Horse barns should be well-ventilated, with a
minimum of moisture and odor; but care should be
taken to avoid drafts. The simplest and least ex­
pensive way in which to achieve satisfactory horse
barn ventilation is to use dutch doors, hinged win­
dows that open inward, and/oropeningsleft between
the rafters and roofing.
4.
Reasonable construction and maintenance cost -
Initial cost is only one aspect; durability and main­
tenance expenditure must also be considered. In
addition to the practical aspects, it is recognized
that certain intangible values accrue from having
a satisfactory horse barn, rather than what is the
cheapest; among such values are the pride and
satisfaction from caring for horses under such
circumstances, the influence that it may have on
the children, and the advertising value that accom­
panies attractive buildings.
It is also noteworthy that expanding technology
has produced several excellent new building ma­
terials, some of which are durable, require little
maintenance, are non-flammable, and are resistant
to wood-chewers and cribbers.
5. Adequate space - one of the first, and frequently
one of the most difficult, problems confronting the
horseman who wishes to construct a horse barn is
that of arriving at the proper size. Too little space
may jeopardize the health and well-being of horses,
whereas more space than needed makes for un­
necessary expense. Table I gives average space
requirements for horses.
(Continued on page 32)
VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse