ladawna
Outhouse Monitor
Posts: 194
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Post by ladawna on Dec 26, 2006 10:53:10 GMT -5
We are building a 4 stall barn in Houston, TX area. Does anyone have preference for the flooring in the stalls? I have heard concrete is not that good, so is there a formula of dirt, sand, rock, etc.? We have 2 horses, 15.3 and16.2 hands.
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devotee
Global Moderator 
Posts: 3,723
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Post by devotee on Dec 26, 2006 11:06:55 GMT -5
I've seen others recommend this book before, but, for anybody building a barn and/or horse facility, Cherry Hill's book, Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage, is worth its weight in gold. She'll give you alternatives for flooring based on your region and circumstances. And her advice is based on through knowledge of horses - their behaviors and opinions. I bet you could find a copy on after-Christmas clearance.
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Post by Starlight Ranch on Dec 27, 2006 13:04:06 GMT -5
When putting in our stalls we put about 6 inches of compacted rock. Then placed mats on top of the rock. Allows for good drainage and no loss of bedding. Plus is good on there legs since it gives.
We use a product called barn dry for our bedding. Works a lot like kitty litter. For our six stall place has been the most efficent for us. Plus we then recycle wall as it makes awesome footing in our round pen and arena. So nothing goes to waste around our place.
Have fun with your project!!!
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ladawna
Outhouse Monitor
Posts: 194
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Post by ladawna on Dec 27, 2006 13:59:25 GMT -5
That sounds good starlight. I just started reading about the barn dry and wondered if anyone used it and liked it. We are having an arena also, so the recycling sounds good.
I have the book you speak of devotee on order, but they claim not to have any in stock, but I see them everywhere. I need to see if I can just cancel the order and buy one.
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Post by AZLynn on Dec 27, 2006 14:02:53 GMT -5
Check this out, I think it sounds like a great product! Check out the videos too, they're so cute! www.equinease.com/ |
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Post by Starlight Ranch on Dec 27, 2006 14:36:17 GMT -5
That looks like it's to use on top of a hard flooring like concrete. Concrete is not good on horses legs even with stall mats on top. Doesn't give. Would be great for a concrete isle or wash rack though.
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devotee
Global Moderator
Posts: 3,723
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Post by devotee on Dec 27, 2006 16:22:49 GMT -5
Optimal materials vary so much, according to location. Where I am, "roadbed" gravel mix does best for drainage, comfort, and durability. It's also the economical choice here. You have to consider all those factors, based on local (and even micro-local) conditions. Cherry Hill does a great job of all those evaluations and recommendations. One thing about building a barn, you'll have opportunities to celebrate every good choice you make. Every smart move will bring you joy.
As far as hay storage goes, the ideal set-up is to have your hay in a separate structure to keep dust at a minimum in the barn. In any case, try to avoid storing it overhead if possible. It's also a good idea to store the hay on a deck of some kind to prevent mold on the bottom row. If you have a good, dry, well-ventilated place to store hay and you find nice hay at a good price, buy all you can fit into space. It's going to be stored somewhere, so you might as well have control over the conditions and also avoid the trouble that might come from switching horses over to uncustomary hay.
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Linda
Stable Manager
Maggie's new filly born 6-15-07
Posts: 1,153
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Post by Linda on Dec 28, 2006 20:12:03 GMT -5
Check this out, I think it sounds like a great product! Check out the videos too, they're so cute! www.equinease.com/ |
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