11 Types of Horse Barns & Stall Layouts

to Inspire Your Dream Barn
Custom horse barn in a rural setting

Dreaming of a new horse barn?

There are many different types of horse barns and stall layouts to consider. 

In this post, we will explore the various options available, helping you make informed decisions about building the ideal barn tailored to your horses’ needs and your unique vision.

7 Types of Horse Barns

The first step in building your new dream barn is considering the structure (or construction type). Horse barns can be made in many different ways to suit the needs of your horses, your style preferences, and your budget.

Entrance to a brick horse barn
Here are the most popular barn types, along with their key characteristics:

1. Post and Beam Barn

A post and beam barn, often referred to as a pole barn, is a type of construction characterized by its use of large, vertical wooden posts and beams as the primary structural elements. The posts are driven into the ground or set on a foundation and connected to the beams with metal fasteners, providing a sturdy framework for the barn. This building practice has been around for centuries and is an extremely durable construction method for horse stables.

Key Characteristics:

2. Framed Barn

Framed barns are a type of barn construction that utilizes a framework of wood and/or steel to support the roof, walls, and other components. This barn style is built similarly to a house, except the structure is used for your equestrian needs.

Key Characteristics:

3. Monitor Barn

Monitor barns are a construction type characterized by a distinctive roof design. Also known as a raised center aisle (RCA) barn, the roof features two slopes that meet at a central ridge, creating a high, airy interior and extra room for storage. The unique design and practical features make monitor barns popular for those seeking a functional and aesthetically pleasing barn structure for their horse stables.

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4. Block Barn (CMU)

Block barns, also known as cinder block barns or CMU barns (Concrete Masonry Unit), are constructed using concrete blocks. Although they may not have the traditional charm of wooden barns, block barns can be aesthetically pleasing with the right design and finishes.

Key Characteristics:

5. Lean-To Barn

A lean-to barn is a design where one side of the roof extends out from the main barn structure and is supported by posts, forming a lean-to shape. Lean-tos can be added to the front or sides of the barn and can be partially or fully enclosed.

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6. Shed Row Barn

Shed row barns consist of a long, open-sided structure with individual stalls along one or both sides. They are a popular type of horse barn that combines the open-air feel of a pasture with the protection of a structure.

Key Characteristics:

7. Run-In Shed

Run-in sheds are open-sided structures that shelter pasture horses from the natural elements and provide them with a safe place to rest. This building style gives horses greater independence to move freely in and out of the barn to exercise, socialize, and graze.

Key Characteristics:

4 Types of Stall Layouts

An alternate first step in building a horse barn is considering the stall layout. Using this approach can help you narrow down which structure style you ultimately choose for your horses’ comfort and your needs as the owner.

Wynstride Equestrian Racing Facility
Here are the different types of horse stall layouts to consider:

1. Single-Aisle Stall

Single-aisle stalls are the most basic layout, with stalls arranged in a single row on one side of a central aisle. They are simple to manage and economical to build but often have less space for amenities like tack rooms, feed areas, or grooming areas. Ventilation can also be a challenge in hot or humid climates.

2. Double-Aisle Stall

Double-aisle stall layouts have stalls on both sides of a central aisle in the barn. They provide more space for horses and amenities, as well as better ventilation than a single-aisle layout. However, improved efficiency does come with higher costs and increased maintenance.

3. T-Shaped Stall

T-shaped stall layouts have a main aisle with stalls on one side and a cross-aisle at the end of the barn. This layout offers a good balance of space, efficiency, and easy stall access. However, this stall type can be more complex to design and build, requiring careful planning for optimal traffic flow and ventilation.

4. U-Shaped Stall

U-shaped layouts have stalls arranged in a U-shape, often with a courtyard or paddock in the center. This style provides easy access to stalls from the central aisle, making it convenient for feeding, grooming, and handling horses. It is important to note that U-shaped barns can have ventilation challenges due to the dead space in the center and drainage problems. Careful planning is necessary to ensure proper construction for your horses’ health and safety.

With You Every Stride of the Way

At Wynstride, we want to ensure that the final type of horse barn you choose celebrates the legacy of horsemanship and paves the way for a future of safe, comfortable, and pleasurable experiences for both you and your horses.

If you have any questions about which barn structure or stall layout is best for your needs, our team would be happy to assist you and provide recommendations.