What to look for in a Kentucky horse barn

Buying a horse farm can sometimes feel overwhelming.

There are so many different parts to a farm that you have to consider.

And one of the most important aspects is the barn.

This is where both you and your horses will be spending a lot of time, so it’s important that it checks all the boxes.

To make your real estate journey as simple as possible, here is a guide on what to look for in a Kentucky Horse Barn:

The Size of the Barn

The size of the barn is one of the first things you’ll want to take note of when buying a Kentucky horse farm.

Of course, the barn should be large enough to account for all of your horses. But it should also account for your future goals.

Make sure the barn has more stalls than you currently need so that you have room to expand—whether that be in a few months or in a few years time.

In the meantime, you can use the free stalls for storage.

In addition to the number of stalls, you should take note of the size of the barn’s aisleways. It’s typical for aisleways to be 12 feet wide. Any less and you’ll be cramped for space.

The Size of the Stalls

The size of the stalls is one of the most important aspects of a barn.

The stall needs to be large enough for your horse to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Typically, 100 square feet is the minimum amount of space.

The average thoroughbred horse does well in a 10’ x 12’ stall. Taller breeds, though, require larger stalls—ones as large as 12’ x 12’.

Since the ideal stall size varies from horse to horse, know the size of your horses before settling on a barn.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is a key component of a horse barn. Without this, you put your animals at risk.

So, when looking for a horse barn, make sure to consider the ventilation.

Ventilation systems look different in each barn, but the goal is always the same: to provide fresh air.

Sometimes, this looks like simple openings around the structure. It’s common to find vents in the eaves—where the barn walls meet the roofline. You can also find vents in the roof.

Newer barns have more sophisticated technology when it comes to ventilation. It’s becoming more and more common to find barns with exhaust fans that remove moisture, prevent condensation, and provide fresh air all year round.

Barns that have insulation are preferable because they keep warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

The Barn Door

When touring a horse barn, make sure you take a look at the barn door. Although it may seem like an insignificant aspect of the barn, it can wreak havoc if it’s squeaky.

A squeaky door is likely to spook your horses—which is never a good thing. Mechanical and overhead doors are the most likely to do this.

The ideal barn door is a sliding one. These tend to be a lot quieter, so they won’t spook the horses. They’re also simple to use and easy to lock.

Location

In real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. Well, the same is true for horse barns.

When touring a potential horse farm, take a look at the location of the barn.

It’s best that the barn be close to the house, so that you don’t have to walk a great distance to get there every day. The barn should also be easily accessible by car.

You should also notice where the barn sits on the land. The best place for a barn to be is on a slight hill so that the area around it drains properly. The last thing you want is to have stagnant water near the barn.

Since Lexington, Kentucky is known for its formidable horse barns, you should have no trouble at all finding one that suits your needs! Contact Turf Town Properties to learn more about buying a horse farm in Kentucky. They’re your local real estate experts.

Posted by Hill Parker on
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