When you’re adding to your old barn, and particularly when you are building a new barn, you ought to be paying attention to some main elements. The 1st factor relates to the position of the barn, which is a matter of elementary seriousness. I have some suggestions for you below.

Situation: Before completing the size and situation of your barn, think about what the future suggests. Is your barn large enough to serve you for the foreseeable future? If not, is there enough space around to allow any growth that could be obligatory?

Zoning issues: Lots of cities and counties prohibit the quantity of horses you can keep at one location. You ought to be conversant with the laws that apply to you, and you must go along with them. These restrictions are designed to prevent the likely penetration of odour and run-off into neighbouring properties and sewers.

Building codes: Sometimes, if you are outside municipal limits, you may not have to worry yourself with building codes. You need to have your site checked out by the most relevant authority if you are located within city limits.

Slope: You may be required to install a slope of between 2 and 6 degrees to ensure efficient drainage from structures, coaching tracks and arenas without causing any erosion.

Soils: You need to define your property’s soil type or types with some soil tests. Your soil types will determine the type of grass that you can grow. You might be able to get soil testing done with a little help from your local county authorities.

Water and sewage: Most towns stipulate that you need separate water and sewage systems for rural properties. While you could be allowed access to civil sewers, you could be required to set up your own lateral links and septic systems.

Area usage: You have to have clear plans made out, with proper indications of proposed sites for facilities like your arena, your training track, your pens and the like. Your plans should clearly show the proposed routes and locations of your water, sewage and electronic hardware. They should also clearly show the locations of suggested slopes and creeks together with any trees and ponds you plan to put in. You must make really sure that your plans permit sufficient room for future expansion.

Structures: Structures should be sited on high ground to help efficient drainage. There should be satisfactory provision for draining round pens and arenas. Have clear plans on where to send run off, as this can be of real help in avoiding mud hole event with the resulting chance of injury and illness. Your structure planning will have to be such that it does not adversely affect wildlife preserves, wetlands and riparian areas.

Sun and Wind: Get professional help when necessary to design the best layout of your barn to guarantee minimum intensity of direct sun and maximum possible natural air ventilation.

Landscaping: Plan areas full of trees and shrubs such that they improve the final look of your land and also provide you with windbreaks.

Traffic planning: Segregate clear areas for animal traffic and for motorized traffic. There should be no overlapping, so you leave no room for possible misfortunes.

Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers visit HorseHorses