This is a series where in a perfect world, I can design my perfect barn. I’ve been able to chat with Holly Matt, noted equine facilities designer of Pegasus Design Group, and she has generously agreed to help me theoretically “build my perfect barn”, and help you all do the same in the process!
Alright. Since Holly said that step 1 is creating a wishlist, well, I went ahead and created a looooong, possibly extravagant, wishlist. I sat down and thought of every single detail I’d like to include in my dream barn. So here it is:
Example Plot Map Courtesy of Holly Matt
Barn:
– 6 14’x14′ stalls with wood Dutch doors on the exterior of the barn
– 1 large wash stall
– 2 grooming/tack/vet areas which can be combined into wash stalls
– grooming/vet supply storage center in the “island” between grooming stalls
– I’d like a drainage system in the center if possible (no one likes their barn to look like Louisiana swamps...)
– heat lamps over both wash stalls
– 1 large feed room area
– 1 small hay storage area
– office/lounge with a full bath/shower area (hello! I’m a working woman – and I treat the barn like the gym. If I hit the barn before work, no perfume can cover up the smell of manure… just not possible…)
– observation of outdoor arena
– kitchen area (full size fridge, sink, microwave, cabinets) with possibly a bar area/island rather than table/chairs (because we’re eventers, and we all know eventers throw GREAT parties)
– living area with sofa/chairs/table etc.
– tack room near tack/grooming area with lounge: 6 saddle racks, 10 bridle hooks, bandage/wrap storage, tack cleaning station, saddle pad rack, storage closet for off-season blankets, blanket hooks/bars (best method for drying?)
– large stone patio/courtyard off of lounge area between barn and outdoor arena
– finished/insulated ceiling in barn
– fans in stalls/aisles (have you lived in Tennessee in the summer when it’s humid?? Not fun without fans…)
– great looking, safe light fixtures
– automatic waters in stalls and pastures
– Stone building with stained timbers. Roof material? Architectural shingles/metal? Flooring? Rubber tiles in aisle? Ceramic In lounge? Tack room? Wash area? Stalls? Mahogany windows on back of barn (lounge area). Good air quality/circulation, and as dust-free as possible.
Outdoor Arena:
– 250’ x 150’ (? Is this a good size?). Boards around (to capture riderless ponies!). Mirrors at one short end. Lights??
– Lit path (ground level lighting) around outdoor to indoor (trust me, this helps when you can’t get to the barn till 6 p.m. after work…)
– Galloping path
Indoor Arena
-with lighting/mirrors (who doesn’t like to check themselves out when they ride?)
– watering system for arenas?
– indoor/outdoor sound system (yeah… I like to practice dressage to a little Swedish House Mafia… what?)
– Parking area (not huge)
-manure compost area
– turn out design- what is ideal size for one horse paddock? Two horse paddock? I don’t want to see dirt in my turnout areas – so I want them to be big enough to keep grass!
– Fire safety (sprinklers?)
So now I’ll send this possibly overzealous plan to Holly, and see if she can turn my dreams into reality (which I really hope she can!) and we can start talking various options and price points. So stay tuned EN! Hopefully I’ve already provided you some great ideas/concepts to think about if you’re in the process of designing your perfect barn!
Go design and go eventing.
