The Advantages of an American Barn

What Are the Advantages of an American Barn?

American barns bring horses, storage and day-to-day facilities together under one roof. They make yard work more convenient and offer a more comfortable environment for horses.

At a Glance

American barns are popular because they:

• Keep horses and facilities under one roof
• Make yard jobs quicker and easier
• Allow horses to see each other while in their stables
• Create good airflow and shelter from the weather
• Can include tack rooms, wash bays, feed stores and offices.

What Is An American Barn?

An American barn is a large timber building with several stables under one roof. The stables sit along a central aisle, keeping the horses, equipment and working areas sheltered from the weather.

If you'd like to see what an American Barn we build looks like, head over to this case study.

What Can You Include in an American Barn?

Common features include:

• Tack rooms
• Feed stores
• Wash bays
• Rug drying areas
• Hay storage
• Offices
• Toilets
• Kitchen or staff room
• Secure storage for equipment.

Plan the layout around how many horses you have and how you use the yard day to day.

Why Are American Barns So Popular?

Unsurprisingly, American Barns are growing increasingly popular with horse owners and it’s easy to see why. When you consider the many benefits they offer to both horse and owner, it’s a win-win for all involved.

As passionate horse owners ourselves, we only want the best for these beautiful creatures and spoiling them with an American Barn is the best way to keep them content and healthy. Popular in the equestrian market including working yards such as liveries and riding schools, these impressive structures make horse ownership and maintenance hugely convenient as everything is placed under one roof away from the harsh British weather.

Having everything in the same place makes the everyday chores a pleasure when you consider just how much easier horse ownership can be with an American Barn. For example, it is very common for American Barns to have added conveniences such as tack rooms, wash stalls, feed storages or even a small office, toilet or equipment area. Having all that under one structure is hugely attractive to anyone who’s owned horses for any given length of time.

Are American Barns Better for Horse Welfare?

American barns can help some horses feel more settled because neighbouring stalls allow them to see and interact with each other. Many owners find this helps create a calmer environment, particularly for horses that prefer not to be isolated.

This is particularly good if you own a sensitive or nervous horse as they will constantly feel a part of the herd even when alone in their stall and be less likely to show signs of stress or anxiety.

Do American Barns Offer Better Ventilation and Hygiene?

The central passageway helps fresh air move through the barn, improving air quality and making it more comfortable to work in.

Are American Barns Suitable for Private Owners?

American barns work for private owners as well as larger yards.

If you keep several horses, bringing everything together under one roof can save time every day. Feeding, mucking out and grooming become easier because equipment, feed and horses are all in one place.

Is an American Barn Worth the Investment?

You’ll usually pay more for an American barn than a simple stable block. However, the extra storage, shelter and convenience can make it worth the cost.

Of course, the investment required to purchased and build an American Barn may seem like a fairly large commitment but when you consider the added benefits of owning one, you’ll soon realise it’s worth every penny and no doubt, your horses will thank you for it too!

Are American Barns Easy to Customise?

One of the biggest advantages of a timber American barn is flexibility.

You can choose:

• Number and size of stables
• Width of the central aisle
• Position of doors
• Roof style
• Windows and ventilation
• Tack rooms and storage
• Wash bays
• Hay stores

You can design the building around your horses and routines.

American Barn or Traditional Stable Block?

Both give horses a comfortable place to live, but they work for different yards.

An American barn may be a better choice if you:

• Keep several horses
• Want to work under cover
• Need storage and tack rooms nearby
• Spend a lot of time on the yard.

A traditional stable block may suit you if you:

• Keep one or two horses
• Prefer separate buildings
• Have limited space
• Want a lower initial investment.

If you are weighing it up against a conventional block, our guide to wooden stables is a useful comparison.

Design an American Barn That Works for Your Yard

Whether you're planning a private yard or a larger equestrian facility, every Olson American barn is designed around the way you work and care for your horses.

We can incorporate stable layouts, tack rooms, wash bays, feed stores, offices and other practical features to create a building that suits your horses and your day-to-day routine.

Explore our range of American barns, or get in touch with our team to discuss your plans.