| Even if you live in a mild climate, your horses require | | | | location. You would also have to take into |
| shelter from the weather. A horse shelter also has to | | | | consideration any possible future developments. |
| withstand the kicks and abuse it takes from horses, so | | | | Height |
| it has to be safe and sturdy. Taking all these factors | | | | You would also have to decide on the height of the |
| into consideration, a 3 sided horse barn is the best | | | | structure. The height should be such that even a very |
| design which is easy to build and economical. By | | | | tall horse should be able to walk in, and not hit the roof |
| following good designs, you can make one yourself. | | | | even if it throws its head up. |
| Why go in for it | | | | Type of barn |
| A 3 sided shelter is especially the way to go if you | | | | In choosing the most appropriate type from several 3 |
| have limited space. It can shelter your animals even in | | | | sided shelter designs, you would consider several |
| severe weather conditions. If you have two horses, | | | | things. You would have to consider the kind of horse |
| the ideal size of the barn would be 12 X 24 feet. A | | | | you would be creating a shelter for. You would also |
| panel can be put in the middle to convert the barn into | | | | have to consider the kind of riding you normally do. |
| two stalls. You can get designs which help you in | | | | The choice is also determined by whether the horse |
| making these barns easily. | | | | would spend most of its time in the pasture or in the |
| Inquire about permits | | | | barn. You would also have to see if you intend to buy |
| The first thing to be done while building a 3 sided barn | | | | more horses in the future. |
| with the help of designs is to check with the local | | | | Size |
| authorities if you are allowed to keep horses in your | | | | The above criteria will determine the size of the 3 |
| property. Then you would have to find out if a permit is | | | | sided horse shelter. It will also determine the number of |
| required to build a shelter for them. You would also | | | | stalls you require and the type of utilities. |
| have to inform your neighbors about your plans. | | | | Floor |
| Location | | | | As for the floor of the 3 sided barn, concrete is best. |
| The location selected should be flat and on high | | | | This is covered with dirt. This is done because dirt is |
| ground. This is so that it will not be prone to flooding or | | | | soft for the horses' to walk on. Rubber mats may also |
| standing water. Water should run away from the shed | | | | be put on the concrete before putting the dirt for |
| and not towards it. | | | | added protection. |
| You should determine the direction in which the open | | | | Building a 3 sided horse barn with the help of designs |
| part of the 3 sided horse shelter would face. In most | | | | can be a great learning experience and a very |
| areas, the north and the west winds are the strongest | | | | satisfying one too. You would be also saving a good |
| and hence the back of the building should face this | | | | deal of money by building it yourself than having it built |
| direction. | | | | by experts. However the best part is that you are |
| The type of soil, drainage facilities, access to electricity, | | | | making a study shelter for your horses, which will go a |
| water and other utilities and accessibility are other | | | | long way in promoting their health and welfare. |
| considerations which determine the choice of the | | | | |