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Affordable Horse Barn Construction Alberta

By Kristen Baird


Western Canada and particularly the province of Alberta have become very desirable destinations for many families. There are amazing economic opportunities, great residential neighborhoods and many outdoor sports to enjoy. Equestrian activities have become one of the fastest growing areas of recreation. Riding is a hobby that all the family can enjoy, from the young children to parents and even grandparents.

It does not matter weather the owner chooses to keep their animals at home or board them, they will need to have good solid shelter from the elements. Horse barn construction Alberta is something that requires a lot of care and attention to detail. Anyone building barns must be aware of both the climate and the needs of the horses. Working with an experienced professional who really knows the business is one of the best ways to get outstanding value for money and barns that will last a lifetime.

Lumber is the most important feature of a barn. It is crucial to use only the highest quality lumber that has been properly prepared. Horses have a tendency to chew on wood so it must not be treated with any harmful chemicals such as arsenic. The boards that line the stalls must also be very thick, preferably several inches thick. This is to withstand any kicking from the horses. They are very powerful creatures who can easily kick through more flimsy boards, resulting in serious or even fatal injuries.

Before construction begins it is essential to choose the best site. This should be on well drained ground that is not prone to flooding. If there is any problems with standing water the area will need to have good drainage measures installed first. Trying to build on wet ground will be a long term issue and really bad for the animals.

Those planning bigger barns must also be aware of how much work is involved on a daily basis. Stalls must be cleaned at least once each day and the horses need a constant supply of hay. Most people like to add a large hay loft to make storage easy and feeding a breeze. They should calculate how much hay they will need to see them through the winter and ensure that there is enough space to store it. Hay that gets wet will go moldy and have to be thrown away. All hay must be stored in clean and dry conditions.

Only the best quality materials should be used to construct barns. Horses are very powerful animals and can easily kick through a flimsy board. Each year many animals suffer unnecessary injuries because they are housed in stalls or buildings that are not strong enough. A young or agitated animal will often kick out in fear. The stalls must be strong enough to withstand this type of behavior.

Large barns will also need a hay loft. This should be big enough to hold enough hay to see all the horses through the winter. It is important to have the loft full of hay before the cold snowy weather arrives as this can make transport difficult. Installing trap doors over each stall will save a lot of time. Hay can be dropped to each horse in a matter of minuets and it is this type of feature that saves a lot of time and money in the long run.

Some owners like to keep their horses stabled together. This really adds to the social element of ownership. Riders can meet up and plan their trail rides in the beautiful Alberta countryside. Youngsters may also want to have their ponies stabled together to add to the fun and companionship of this wonderful sport.




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