When you’re building a breeding barn, careful consideration needs to go into every element of that barn! From the barn layout to the components that you put into it, the safety of your mares, stallions, and foals depends on your vigilance during the build. Consider these points when building your breeding barn!

Large Foaling Stalls

When designing your foaling stalls, make sure that they leave both the mare and foal plenty of space to move around in comfort and safety. You may wish to install metal mesh bottoms on the foaling stalls for easy visibility without disturbing the mare or foal.

In addition to building large horse stalls, make sure that they’re safe. Look for any protrusions or areas where a foal could become caught up or cut. If your stalls will include grillwork, the grillwork needs to be spaced so that a foal’s hooves cannot become caught between the grills. Classic Equine Equipment’s stalls feature top grills in which the 1” bars are set on 3” centers. Lower grills feature 1” bars set on 2 ½” centers. Overlooking this small but important detail can lead to catastrophic injuries.

Separate Stallion Housing

If your breeding barn will include stallion facilities, then plan to position these well away from where the mares will be housed. When building facilities which will house stallions, using only top-quality, strong products are essential. Make sure that your fencing is tall, visible, and strong, and pay attention to the quality of the stall components that you’re using.

Quality, Safe Footing

You can’t overlook the importance of quality, safe footing in your breeding barn. Consider using rubber aisle pavers for a safe footing in multiple areas, including your barn aisle, wash stall, and entranceways. Rubber aisle pavers feature excellent self drainage, and are highly durable – you can drive vehicles over them. They provide excellent shock absorption and traction, helping to keep all of the horses in your breeding barn safe.

Caretaker Apartment

Consider including a caretaker apartment when building your breeding barn. Overnight foal watches are frequent and can make for long nights at the breeding barn. Having an apartment or room where staff can take breaks and rest can help to make foal watches more bearable and comfortable!

When you build your breeding barn, safety is super important. By choosing quality products, such as those offered by Classic Equine Equipment, you will know that you’re providing your facility with the very best products available!

Original Source: Considerations When Building a Breeding Barn