As an owner, you’ve considered building a top-notch pole barn for your horses. These animals are your favorite pastime (or livelihood), so why not invest in a new structure?
You already have the land set aside. You’ve been consciously saving your money. So, there’s half the battle.
Now that you've pulled the trigger, you’re tasked with designing a floor plan for your equine facility. The design process can be a challenging task.
This facility will not only impact the health of your horses but the overall:
- Effectiveness of your operation
- Value of your land or property
- Quality of life for you, your workers, and your horses
As a result, it’s essential that you’re making the right choices for your personal and professional needs.
Luckily, post frame construction offers greater flexibility compared to other building methods. Plus, it allows you to express creative freedom. No cookie-cutter floor plans here.
Need help spurring your imagination? No worries, we rounded up our top five equine facilities that are built to last with beauty, comfort, and strength in mind. Even Mr. Ed himself would be jealous!
Our Top 5 Horse Barn Designs in 2024
If you see a floor plan that catches your eye, but would like to make a few minor tweaks, just let us know. All of our post frame structures are customizable. Our equine facilities are built around your needs. Without further ado...
1) Country Charmer
If you're a small-time owner, this classic design is the perfect post-frame building for one to four horses.
This barn includes four horse stalls with additional storage room – the ideal spot to park your ATV. At each end, the facility features overhead doors making a breeze, which will be appreciated during the summer months.
Energy efficiency is another critical aspect of any building project. Two dormers allow natural light to pour in throughout the day and create an aesthetic. This feature can help lower your electric bill.
We hope you're charmed by this country-esque horse barn!
2) Double Porch Delight
Next, this building design combines usage and storage for an elegant presentation. The layout provides room for up to four or six stalls with ample room for storing your boat during the colder months.
Furthermore, stairs lead to a loft that is brightened by dormers and a large end window.
Doors and windows provide ventilation, enhance the visual appeal of your facility, and let in light...lots of it.
Did you know that light makes horses (and people) happier? Horses came from the wild and thrive in the sunshine and wind. They won’t do well in a dingy environment. In that case, the more windows, the merrier.
As the hustle and bustle of the day winds down, you can delight in watching your horses graze from the front porch.
3) Cedarwood Manor
Whoa Nellie, take the horse barn of your dreams to the next level with this stylish plan! Inside are eight stalls, meaning that this space can grow as your operation expands.
Even if you don’t plan on acquiring more horses anytime soon, you can always use the extra stalls as storage space. Who could say no to that?
Another notable feature is the two-story residential area that can be utilized in multiple ways.
Transform this space into a private office where you can catch up on bookwork or emails in between outdoor activities. Proudly display your show banners, plaques, ribbons, and trophies in a china cabinet.
Also, it’s the perfect opportunity for that man cave or she-shed you’ve always wanted. Add comfy furniture, artwork, and shelving for the ultimate oasis. Don’t miss the big game or the latest episode of “Real Housewives” with a big flatscreen TV.
Or, this room can serve as a guest house or living quarters for hired hands and owners to enjoy after a long day at work.
Overall, this mid-sized barn provides a stately, yet approachable air.
4) Bluegrass Beauty
If you're looking for an eye-catching post frame barn that will capture the attention of passersby, then this design was made for you! This regal equine facility features a beautiful vaulted entry, set off with cedar timbers and large windows.
The layout includes eight stalls, wash area, feed room, and a small space for your child to ride his/her pony.
With a wash bay, you can rinse your horses off any time of the year. No more tying them to the nearest tree in the backyard.
We recommend 12’ x 12’ wash bays with built-in rails. This is enough room for a horse to walk in and turn around, while the groomer easily (and safely) cleans those hard-to-reach areas. It’s a win-win situation.
Be careful when stacking hay in the feed room. Do not place bales next to the walls or ceiling. Moisture-ridden haystacks and bales can catch on fire because of a chemical reaction that produces heat. Hay acts as an insulator. The larger the stack, the less cooling that occurs to counteract the heat.
No farmer, rancher, or stable owner wants to see his/her building and equipment engulfed in flames. Then, you add livestock to the mix. It’s an unfortunate and devastating occurrence.
The feed room can be accessible from the outside, makes unloading deliveries efficient.
An indoor riding arena is convenient for equine enthusiasts — no need to haul your horses somewhere else for a ride. Don’t forget to install stirrup guards. Angled guards keep riders a safe distance away from the wall to prevent injury.
Then, the vast tack room can be a showpiece that keeps all of your supplies neatly organized. Examples include:
- Blankets
- Bridles
- Brushes
- Saddles
- Other related equipment
It can be divided to include other functions: office, laundry room, restrooms. The choice is yours!
5) Kentucky Favorite
Whether you’re a Kentuckian or not, this classic T-shaped plan is favored by horse enthusiasts everywhere. Attached to the eight-stall barn is a well-sized indoor arena.
Not to mention, you can enjoy watching the riders from a spacious observation lounge. Add armchairs, couches, and cocktail tables for clients and riders.
In addition to the tack room, laundry room, wash stall, and feed room, this layout includes a dedicated place for tractor storage. No need to park in the aisle!
Which Horse Barn Design is Right for You?
As a horse owner, you have a good idea as to what you’re looking for in building an equine facility. Simple necessities such as stalls and storage room. Splurge on upgrades like an indoor arena and living quarters.
Ultimately, these choices are up to you! Our goal as one of the top post frame builders in the Midwest is to recommend a wide selection of building designs that will give you the best bang for your buck.
Are you interested in seeing more plans? Download our FREE Horse Barn Plan Book. This detailed guide features 20 different plans, including stables and stall barns, riding arenas, and multi-purpose buildings.
On the other hand, maybe you’re ready to grab the horse by the reins and create your own equestrian facility? Design your own building with our new and improved online 3D design tool.
When you’re finished, you can save, print, or email your plan to family and friends. Or, if you’re ready for a quote, you can submit your design to us, and a member of our sales team will give you a call to begin the estimating process.
Either way, one simple click brings you a step closer to building your dream horse barn!
Have more questions about horse barns not covered in this article? Please contact FBi Buildings at 1.800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you are ready to get a price, click here to request a quote and a member of our sales team will call you.