Photo: SILVI ARANDA

How much would it cost to build a horse shelter?

waltersbuildings.com - Cost to Build a Horse Barn - Walters Buildings

Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt. Jul 1, 2020

Last updated Nov 10, 2021

How often do gutters need to be replaced?

20 years Typically, galvanized steel or aluminum gutters have an average life expectancy of 20 years, while copper gutters can last as long as 50...

Last updated Apr 1, 2018

Promotion

Depending on the features of your horse stall barn, a simple project can cost $30,000 or up to $150,000 for a large commercial project. When you decide on building a barn for your horses, reach out to several companies to find the most experienced builders for the safety of your horses and your long term enjoyment. While there are many firms that will sell you a cheap pole barn to construct for your horses, at Walters Buildings we take the time to understand your needs and provide the best long term value.

Five Questions to ask your Horse Stall Barn Builder:

What is included in the building price?

Many builders will only advertise the cost of the building and entice buyers with low prices. Does the price include the building only or also the stalls? Depending on your situation, you may need excavating work done for site preparation and drainage away from the building. Is the concrete flooring included in the price? Are you going to be running electric to the barn and who is paying for that part of the project? If you are including a wash stall, who is responsible for the plumbing? Is the building fully engineered and customizable?

When building a horse stall barn, safety of your horses is of the utmost importance. Is that prefab horse barn you found online designed for your needs with the correct snow and wind loads for your geographic region? If your building project is for private (not commercial) use, the local zoning rules may not require engineered plans. At Walters Buildings we engineer every building directly for you to last a lifetime. A good builder will provide plans and specifications for your local zoning official and discuss the snow and wind loading on your project. How will the building function for the benefit of your horses?

Does the barn plan take into account the functionality needed in a horse stall barn? Your builder should take the time to understand your needs and your future goals. A successful project will consider the lighting, ventilation, drainage requirements, aisle width, food storage and animal comfort. What is the time frame of the project and is the price firm?

Work with a builder you can trust to delivery your project on time and on budget. Your builder should provide an estimate of their backlog and let you know when your project will start and when it will be done. (Weather permitting) They should also have an honest conversation with you about the project and what items could lead to potential change orders if you make an upgrade during the project. Do they have references?

At Walters Buildings, our best customers are our repeat customers. We have built hundreds of horse barns and riding arenas. Many of these have been repeat customers expanding their operations. When you make the investment to build a horse stall barn - work with a builder with 60 years of experience. If you've decided to build a horse barn, schedule some time to meet with our expert District Managers. They can walk you through some of your decision points or you can view our Horse Barn & Stables section to see some of our past projects.

What is the best homemade insulation?

Sheep's wool makes ideal insulation because the fibers in the wool form millions of tiny air pockets that provide a natural thermo barrier. It's...

Last updated Nov 20, 2022

Do composite doors look like wood?

Pros – Composite doors are made from a mixture of materials, such as glass fibre, which is pressed together and glued under high pressure. These...

Last updated Oct 16, 2018

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the best base for horse stalls?

Soil, Sand, or Clay Sand is frequently used for stall floors. It is easy on the horse's legs, non-slip, and requires minimal bedding material over top. It drains well and is replaceable once it becomes very soiled. Sand-bedded stalls may need "topping up" as sand is taken away each time the stall is mucked out.

thesprucepets.com - Choose the Right Floor for Your Horse Stable - The Spruce Pets

Soil, Sand, or Clay

Leaving the existing soil in place is inexpensive and a healthy option for your horse, but your floors may require daily upkeep to keep them level and the soil may have to be replaced in time. Clay-based soils will also need a lot of maintenance in horse stalls. Damp clay can be slippery or sticky and horses can dig holes and hollows depending on where they most often stand, paw, or walk around. It's possible to install clay floors, and it's recommended that these be laid over a thick layer of crushed gravel and kept clean and dry. Sand is frequently used for stall floors. It is easy on the horse's legs, non-slip, and requires minimal bedding material over top. It drains well and is replaceable once it becomes very soiled. Sand-bedded stalls may need "topping up" as sand is taken away each time the stall is mucked out. Sand colic is a concern if horses eat off of the floor. Sand floors also become uneven easily if the horse paces or paws in its stall. It may also be drying to hooves.