Barn & Arena Guide (2013) by Equine Journal

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2013

Barn & Arena Guide

Restore the Charm TO YOUR FARM

Living Large FACILITIES THAT WOW

Budget for Your Barn

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COUNTRY HOMES & BARNS

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Boyd and Silva Martin share just about everything...

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2013

Barn & Arena Guide WELCOME HOME

Any equestrian knows that a barn is so much more than a place your horse lives. As soon as you walk in, taking in that heavenly smell of hay, shavings, and horse, you are at peace. Simply put, a barn feels like a second home to any true horse-lover. In our 2013 Barn and Arena Guide, a special edition of the Equine Journal, we talked with farm owners who chose to preserve the deep history behind their antique barns and celebrate their stories. In “Former Glory,” follow the journey of these structures as they go from old and dilapidated to updated relics of the past. If looking to the future is more your thing, Elisabeth Prouty-Gilbride’s article, “Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams,” depicts some of the stunning architectural detailing that will inspire you to aim high when building your future facility. And don’t miss out as Susan Winslow uncovers some secrets to seasonal barn care in “A Lasting Impression.” We hope that you use this special edition to plan a new barn, update and improve an existing barn, or simply dream of the possibilities. PUBLISHER

SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGIST

Joan McDevitt, 508-987-5886, ext. 228

Scott Ziegler, 508-987-5886, ext. 223 EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Elisabeth Prouty-Gilbride MANAGING EDITOR

SENIOR ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANT

Karen Desroches, 603-525-3601

Kelly Ballou Kathryn Selinga

Angela Savoie, 508-987-5886, ext. 231 Laurel Foster, 508-987-5886, ext. 222

SOCIAL EDITOR

OFFICE MANAGER

Jennifer Roberts COPY EDITOR

MJ Bergeron

ART DIRECTOR

Angela Millay

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Wesley M. Shedd IV Kevan Trombly

Contents: 10 Business 14 Going Green 16 Former Glory 26 Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams

34 Seasonal Care 42 Index

ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANTS

NEWS EDITOR

Kelly Lee Brady, 508-987-5886, ext. 221 PUBLICATION ASSISTANT

Karen Edwards

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Michelle Rowe INTERN

Katina Hughes

Equine Journal 83 Leicester Street, North Oxford, MA 01537 phone: 508-987-5886, fax: 508-987-5887 subscription questions: 1-800-414-9101 equinejournal@pcspublink.com www.equinejournal.com A Publication of MCC Magazines, LLC A Division of Morris Communications Company, LLC 735 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 INTERIM PRESIDENT Paul Smith CONTROLLER Scott Ferguson VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Lea Cockerham GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR William Greenlaw DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL OPERATIONS Jason Doyle DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Alexander Merrill

Morris Communications Company, LLC CHAIRMAN & CEO William S. Morris III PRESIDENT Will S. Morris IV COVER PHOTO STEVE WHITTAKER PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY OF CLASSIC EQUINE EQUIPMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM AND SUSAN CROSSEN

2013 Barn & Arena Guide

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On The COver

Equine Journal Advertorial

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Classic Equine Equipment Consider the Classic Difference

barn equipment. But, don’t think that classic equine manufactures products exclusively for high-end barns. christy schulthess, the director of sales and marketing, says, “although we have participated in some amazing facilities (such as the Folger’s stable renovation in Woodside, ca, and the stanford University equestrian facilities), we also offer affordable and stylish solutions for any barn owner. our products are not only meant for the ultra-chic consumer!” With product lines that fit into most budgets, classic equine takes pride in each and every piece that is made exclu-

While Classic Equine Equipment has helped create some amazing facilities, they also offer affordable and practical solutions for all price ranges. 6

equine Journal

| 2013 Barn & Arena Guide

sively in their Fredericktown, mo, plant. constructed to last, their wide line of products is manufactured with highquality materials and exacting standards. according to schulthess, “We go to great lengths to make sure our passion for quality and love for horses shows in the details of the products we produce— smoother edges that prevent scratches or scrapes; narrower spacing between grills to make sure that small hooves don’t get caught; pre-galvanized hand-welded steel frames that can endure all the punishment and abuse your horse can throw at them and keep on shining.” the difference is in the details with all

All of the company’s stall components are constructed to last through the years and whatever your horse throws at them.

Photos: (CloCkwise from toP) Courtesy of PoPulous arChiteCts; Courtesy of ClassiC equine equiPment; Courtesy of tim gray

For the discriminating horse owner, classic equine equipment offers a full line of high-quality barn products, ranging from stalls and barn doors to stable flooring and entrance gates. With classic equine’s commitment to quality, it is easy to see why so many barn owners are choosing to experience the “classic difference” for themselves. What does the nation’s capital national Park mounted Police have in common with the Budweiser clydesdales Breeding center? they, and many other top horse owners, have called upon american-owned and american-operated classic equine equipment for their horse stalls and

On The COver

Equine Journal Advertorial

Photos: (clockwise from toP) courtesy of steve whittaker; courtesy of PoPulous architects; courtesy of mike ferrara

of their products. Bars on the horse stall components are all fully welded, not tackwelded, which provides more strength and stability. Their products are made from pre-galvanized steel, which provides superior rust inhibition and longevity, with on-site powder coating standard on all products. All stall components come complete with a five-year limited warranty. Custom builds are another one of Classic Equine’s specialties! Taking your ideas, they are able to provide you with equipment that is tailored to your needs. From a distance, many other companies’ products may look similar, but a closer inspection of the stalls will reveal a difference. When looking at stall manufacturers, be sure to take the time to educate yourself about the quality of the product and company you are dealing with. Ask about warranty and materials used, and most importantly, request to speak with previous customers, and even ask if you can visit a facility nearby which has their products installed. Schulthess sums up why they have become a go-to resource for barn-building materials by stating, “At Classic Equine Equipment, we’ve earned our reputation as the leading producer of beautiful, innovative, and high-quality stalls and equipment by always putting horse and rider first. Our systems are built to endure the most rigorous of real-world applications and remain safe, secure, and beautiful.” The talented and knowledgeable sales staff at Classic Equine looks forward to answering your questions, offering a level of customer service that matches the quality of their products. They are always available to assist you in planning your Classic barn, even offering on-site visits upon request. For more information on Classic Equine Equipment, or to request a complimentary catalog of all they have to offer, visit classic-equine.com, or call 800-444-7430. 2013 Barn & Arena Guide

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Building a wide selection of quality barns from pole barn to timber frame, as well riding arenas,all custom-built to reflect the style, needs and budget of each individual customer. We offer complete build or pre-cut kits to suit each customer’s particular needs. We pride ourselves on outstanding workmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to pleasing our customers.

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equine Journal

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It’s time to clear the air about arena footing. Eliminate dust in the ring with TruStride®. Put down the hose and switch to TruStride® Dust-Free Arena Footing! Its unique combination of rubber, fiber and wax eliminates dust and the need to water – ever. TruStride® provides a highly stable, resilient riding surface that won’t shift or slip.

And unlike sand arenas, TruStride® resists compaction and tracking. No wonder it’s the dust-free footing of choice in more than 250 arenas worldwide. For more information on the complete line of IGK Equestrian footings, amendments and comfort systems, contact your IGK Equestrian dealer representative, or visit igkequestrian.com

(877) 624-2638 info@igkequestrian.com TruStride® Arena Footing provides superior traction with no need to water.

LiteStride® Arena Footing offers a dust-free riding surface at an economical price.

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BUSINESS

a smart start

Build a Barn You Love Without Draining Your Wallet By Jennifer roBerts

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| 2013 Barn & Arena Guide

While planning and budgeting for your barn you may find that you are able to afford a nicer one than you imagined and find options that truly finish the project.

are only planning for today, instead of planning for growth. Make sure you are budgeting enough square footage and money for the barn you’ll need in the years to come; consider not only the number of stalls, but also areas for washing, grooming, and tack. If you plan on building your barn or installing your fencing in an effort to save money, be sure to look at the whole process. Know what you are getting yourself into before you commit to that plan. some types of barns and fencing are relatively easy to put up, while others require a large amount of expertise. to ensure that everything goes as planned, confirm that you have the required skill set and understand the magnitude of the project before you order the materials. avoid just looking for ways to cut

costs every step of the way—investing in a quality job will save you money in the long-run. Be sure to look at the “cost benefit ratio,” cautions steve carson of the Fencing resource. he says, “the cheapest option may not be the most affordable option in the long-run; instead of thinking about up-front cost, think about cost per year. spending more money up front on a product that will last you 20-30 years is a much more economically-sound decision than spending a little less money on a product that will last you five to seven years.” putting a plan in place as you budget for your barn can end up saving you money as you build your dreams. It can be a daunting ordeal, but the end result of having your horses safe and sound in their new home is worth the potential headache.

photo: dustyperin.com

I have spent countless hours thinking of my dream barn…a large indoor arena attached to a multitude of 16' x 16' stalls, each adorned with beautiful brass accents. Because we are still dreaming, I tend to add a meticulous tack room, and let’s make it larger than my living room at home. outside, there are acres upon acres of rolling pastures with pristine fencing. however, until I win the lottery, I will be looking at slightly smaller (and more affordable) options. the goal is to find a way to build a barn that fits your needs, whether it is two stalls or 24, without maxing out your budget. Before budgeting for your barn, christy schulthess, of classic equine equipment, suggests that you sit down and list what is really important to you. Determine the items that you need to have in your barn in order to be happy with it. some may be willing to sacrifice beautiful Dutch doors on the front of the barn for roomy stalls, while others may decide that a rubber-matted floor is of the utmost importance. When you have determined what is important, it’s time to start putting together a plan of what you can realistically spend on each portion. From the beginning excavation work, to the finishing touches, be sure that you keep the big picture in mind. equine architect John Blackburn reminds his clients to be cognizant of using proper barn materials and thinking about safety issues as you begin the budgeting process. he points out, “a good barn shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg, but a poorly-designed one might cost you your horse.” try not to get hung up on the aesthetic pieces of your barn. While an exquisitely beautiful facililty is hard to resist, it makes more sense to focus on the functional aspects of it, the pieces that are used day to day, like stalls, exterior doors, and proper stall drainage. Don’t be afraid to dream a little and think big. Frequently, people

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GOING GREEN

Think Green

How to tell if building materials are truly “green” and worth the investment. By equine facility architect, ellen Whittemore, and green Building expert, inga leonova

equine Journal

| 2013 Barn & Arena Guide

While some products may not be considered “green,” their long-lasting construction can make them sustainable choices.

that is hardest to navigate, even for a building industry professional, let alone a consumer. fortunately, there are a number of independent resources out there that are invaluable for an owner faced with the often-incomprehensible manufacturer’s information. The most venerable of those resources is BuildingGreen.com. BuildingGreen is an independent research group that evaluates sustainable properties of building materials and products and publishes its findings online as well as in their print publication, Environmental Building News. The work of this group is peer-reviewed and they take no advertising or endorsement from any manufacturers, thereby serving as a highly trusted resource. BuildingGreen.com is a website that publishes some freely accessible content as well as more detailed

information that is available for an annual subscription. another resource is the Green seal certification program that certifies a wide range of materials and products. much like BuildingGreen, it is a nonprofit organization deeply involved in scientific research and the creation of sustainability standards for products and services. Their website is greenseal.org. energy star ratings from the department of energy have become increasingly reliable, as they have their own criteria of sustainable properties, mostly in appliances, but also in some building materials and products. This rating is awarded on the basis of energy savings and therefore is useful to evaluate lifetime properties of building products. Their website is energystar.gov.

Photo: ©istockPhoto.com/steve everts

These days, every manufacTurer of building materials claims a “green” line and accompanies it with aggressive marketing literature supporting that claim. Often enough, the “green” materials come with a heftier price tag, much like the organic lines in grocery stores. how is the responsible and fiscally astute owner able to distinguish which claims are well-founded and in which case the investment is justified? Green building expert, Inga Leonova, helps shed some light on the subject. Let us begin by clarifying that aside from the “do-good” ideological impetus that makes people seek sustainable materials, the primary criteria for choosing building materials remain the same. some of the most basic definitions of sustainable materials are that they need to be durable (so that the waste cycle is minimized), easy to maintain, and cost-effective (which must be evaluated from the point of view of the entire life cycle cost, not just the first cost). Therefore, the first level of research that the owner needs to do in selecting these materials is to educate him/ herself on those three issues. If a product carries a cost premium but will serve to drastically reduce utility costs (i.e., super-insulating the building or installing triple-glazed windows), then the cost premium will be absorbed in the life cycle of the product or material. conversely, there may be a situation when the product is not “green” by itself, as is the case with some of the materials utilizing Pvc, but it is virtually indestructible and has zero maintenance, in which case it may be considered a sustainable choice for certain applications. The second host of criteria has to do with sustainable properties of materials falling into the categories of chemical components, local production, implications for the waste stream, and use of renewable ingredients. This is the area

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Former Glory

By la e ld Pam fie s Man

Stories of the Work and Dedication that Goes into Restoring an Old Barn

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The sIghT of An old bArn, whether well tended or crumbling from neglect, can capture the imagination. A passerby can’t help but wonder, what was life like when it was built, and who were the proud owners? Who rose early each morning to feed the animals or tend to chores in its earliest days? What an amazing structure it must be. And, if it’s in disrepair, wouldn’t it be something to see it restored to its former glory? If that barn already happens to be on your property and it looms large as an insurmountable project, it may help to get a little inspiration from a couple who wrote the book on historic barn restoration. Restoration - A Labor of Love

Photo: courtesy of tom and susan crossen

Tom and Susan Crossen took on the task of completely restoring a crumbling old historic barn and house in 2001. Five years into the project, they moved their Arabian and warmblood horse breeding business to what has become a showplace in Coventry, CT. They explain in their book, Restoration of a New England Farm, that committing to a restoration of this magnitude—then actually moving in—wasn’t something they had planned when they first bought the property. After remodeling many homes and selling them, they were comfortably settled in a house they had built 20 years earlier in nearby Tolland, along with a barn and arena, situated on 53 acres. When Tom, a building contractor, discovered a 92-acre farm site with a rundown old house and conjoined barns in Coventry, he was smitten by the location and panoramic views. Amazing road frontage made the land a perfect candidate for a subdivision. Little did Susan know that, instead, she would be living there one day. “I believe my husband wanted to move to Coventry from the start. I didn’t come around to the idea until about halfway through the restoration,” she admits, though, as with all their previous homes, she and Tom worked diligently together to see this project to completion. The first step was to inspect the buildings to determine if they should start with a clean slate or remodel. When the Crossens learned that the property was of historic significance, known as the Booth–Dimock Homestead, this immediately sparked their interest in bringing the buildings back to their original state. The history of the farm further intrigued them when a 96-year-old local resident, who had owned and operated the farm in the 1940s, brought them old photos showing the barn in its heyday. To look at the existing house and conjoined barns at that time, both uninhabited for several years and both “remuddled” to the point where they

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■

The wooden beams and the original chestnut ﬂooring remain a focal point of the barn’s interior.

EQUINE JOURNAL

| 2013 Barn & Arena Guide

PHOTO: COURTESY OF TOM AND SUSAN CROSSEN

■

The Crossen’s ﬁveyear restoration project turned a dilapidated old barn into a lovely piece of history.

were two darkly-shingled, unloved relics, the average person wouldn’t envision the underlying architecture and hidden beauty. The house was built in 1815, and the barns were built in 1899, primarily for cows. Both barns were buckling outward due to the removal of wooden support beams. Structural changes had been made when wooden floors were banned from the milk parlors in dairy barns. Metal columns had replaced the original beams, and had since rusted away. To reinforce the crumbling structure, thirty 12-inchsquare white oak timber beams weighing 300 or more pounds were milled and then set in place. The original chestnut flooring was taken up to allow for the work, and the boards were thoroughly cleaned and dried in the sun. New underlayment was installed in anticipation of supporting the horses. Over the years, water had seeped under both sliding doors, under dormers, and into the area where the roofs of the conjoined barns met. The old, rusted, corrugated metal roof was removed to reveal the original cedar shingles underneath. These were time-consuming to remove because they were affixed with cut nails. Instead of replacing them with modern shingles, the Crossens purchased pressure-treated Southern yellow pine wood shingles, which added four months to the roof project. Following the old photos of the Victorian-style New England bank barn for guidance, the Crossens did their best to duplicate the majestic cupolas that crown the roofline, and decided three—not twowould look more aesthetically pleasing. They are lighted from within and serve as beacons at night and a reminder of the history of this homestead. While removing the original clapboard siding, they discovered the name of a manufacturer stamped into the wood. They found the company still in operation in Granville, VT, and had the new siding made there on the same machinery, which is now powered by electricity. Their research also led them to find the original stone apron that had once graced the entrance to the old dairy barn. It was being used as a bench at a cemetery, but they were able to obtain it and return it to its rightful place. The Crossens recreated the former grandeur of the home and the adjoining barns. There are now 18 horse stalls and many amenities for their broodmares and foals, including a hayloft that accommodates 10,000 bales. The new indoor arena has an additional 18 stalls. They constructed paddocks and revitalized the farmlands surrounding the cluster of buildings. Though they have owned and operated Crossen Builders, Inc., since the mid-70s, “Nothing we have ever built or remodeled has even come close to the difficulty we experienced in restoring our farm,” Susan says. Asked how one would determine if a property was worth restoration, she replied, “It would need to be basically structurally sound and worth salvaging. Ideally, it would ultimately serve the purpose of its intended use, would be less expensive to make necessary improvements than to tear down and rebuild, or one would have a desire to restore the building. We spent exponentially more time and money than we initially expected for two reasons. First, we chose to do a restoration, which is more costly and time consuming than remodeling; and second, there was far more damage to both structures than was visible to the naked eye.

Restoration of a New England Farm written by Susan and Tom Crossen is a detailed account of the five year restoration of the Booth-Dimock Homestead located in Coventry, CT. The book contains 100 stunning photos which chronicle the project from start to finish. It encompasses not only the restoration of the Federal period house and Victorian era barns but also includes a detailed genealogy. One of the few classic New England farms preserved intact for over two hundred years.

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| equine Journal.com 19

■

For the Crossens’ project, three cupolas were made to look like the originals and were set by large cranes.

“Because of its historic significance, we felt the property was worth preserving. It is one of the few remaining New England farms left intact since its origin. One must consider the overall value of a property to determine whether or not a restoration is warranted and if one has the resources and stamina to see the project through to completion.” Today, this masterpiece is their home, and it is the quintessential New England farm that would easily be the subject of a painting or postcard.

An Old Farm in the New Millennium In North Andover, MA, there is another historic New England barn that was actively used until the 1990s, and it is all that remains of what was a 500-acre farm and is now the site of a retirement community. Almost all the buildings have been razed except the classic bank barn, built into a bank so that both ground and main floors are open to groundlevel access. The majestic white structure with green sliding pocket doors on both ends stands tall and proud, and the farm’s memory is still alive thanks to Susan Walsh—teacher, race track official, and now author. She has boarded her ponies and racehorses there since 1968.

Edgewood Farm, as it was called, is remembered fondly by many local horse people. Its manager, Woody Follett, the Stevens family who owned it, and the champion Welsh Ponies that were bred and shown there made their mark in the history of the area. Susan still keeps four of her Thoroughbred horses there, three of whom she and her husband, Jim, bred and raised on the property. With the farm so much a part of her life (she and Jim lived in one of the houses on the property for a time), Susan was inspired to write a book about it before it could be forgotten. In Edgewood: An Old Farm in the New Millennium, she relates much of history of this pastoral farm and its buildings, the nearby lake, and surrounding trails. Her love for Edgewood is reflected in her words and in the many beautiful photographs she took of it during its heyday. It is bittersweet for her to be the only remaining boarder now and to serve as its steward, of sorts. The 100' x 42' barn, designed by George S. Cole of Andover, and built in 1881, is the keystone of this beautiful retirement facility, where part of the sales agreement was to keep the barn. Once filled with stalls and horses that enjoyed delicious cross-breezes from the two open doorways flanking the 12' center aisle, the main

level is now gutted and used for storage of equipment, while equines still reside at ground level. At the time the property was developed, it looked structurally sound and maybe a little in need of repair, Susan says, but closer inspection revealed structural weaknesses. Steel crossbeams were installed, and old vertical beams were sistered to square up the structure. Restoration took about a year. An effort was made by the contractors to keep the barn as authentic as possible, so some changes were made, including the removal of all shutters and a set of outer doors that Susan said actually kept the rain from coming in. It was determined that they were not original to the design. Without them, however, water does seep in at times. During this process, her horses lived in the small square barn moved nearby, with access to paddocks that recall the oncepastoral scenes enjoyed there. Susan was relieved to finally move into the 12' x 12' box stalls built on the bottom level for her. It is clean and bright, though a section of it had once been the manure pit where a truck would wait to be filled from an opening in the floor above. The granite boulder foundation is now whitewashed inside, and the fresh-cut stall boards form a barrier in front of them to prevent the horses from kicking or brushing against the unforgiving, uneven surface. The massive wooden vertical beams that ascend through the ceiling form a natural anchor point for the stalls. Hay is stored ■

The Crossens replaced the original cedar shingles with pressure-treated Southern yellow pine shingles.

EQUINE JOURNAL

| 2013 Barn & Arena Guide

PHOTO: COURTESY OF TOM AND SUSAN CROSSEN

(Below) The Crossens’ property was formerly known as the Booth–Dimock Homestead and is shown here as it looked in 1926.

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Edgewood Farm was once known for its champion Welsh Ponies, but the 500-acre facility is now the site of a retirement community.

against the back wall on the ground floor, while the voluminous hayloft on the second level yawns empty now. An old ramp that cows once traversed to go in and out to the barnyard just outside is walled off by a door. Behind another door, grain was stored in an inner silo at one time. The old root cellar is now her pristine tack room with photos of her racehorses. Racing silks of dark green with a lime green hoop decorate the meticulous room that is directly below the old tack room where the numerous boarders kept their saddles. The remaining mechanics of an old scale in the floor above remind Susan of when fellow boarders used to weigh their horses and themselves just for fun. The barn was built entirely of pine, Susan says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why so much had to be replaced. When we moved to the farm in 1970, it was actually gray, but it was repainted white, and remains white. We are very lucky to be able to use it still. There are lots of memories in those lofty walls!â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013;

(Left) The 100' x 42' barn, that is all that is left of Edgewood Farm, was built in 1881. The barnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s granite boulder foundation has been whitewashed and lined with wood to create a brighter and safer atmosphere for the horses.

.FBEPX $SFFL 3E t New Holland, PA 17557 Phone/Fax: 717-354-7862 www.horsebarnsupplies.com 22

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PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY OF SUSAN WALSH; (BOTTOM PHOTOS) PAMELA MANSFIELD

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Champagne Wishes Caviar Dreams

By Elisabeth Prouty-Gilbride

THE TERM “CHAMPAGNE WISHES and caviar dreams” has always applied to the rich and famous. But now horses can also live the good life, exercising on their own personal gym equipment, residing in facilities with chandeliers, and munching on hay in heated stalls with swing-out feeders and automatic waterers. The Equine Journal spoke with three farm owners to find out how they incorporated some of these remarkable elements into their own facilities. The outcome for each individual resulted in a masterpiece—read on to find out which aspects of these farms are out of reach for the average horse owner, and which may be more attainable. 26

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Living the Dream When Ken Berkley sought to build his dream facility for his business, River’s Edge Inc., with partner Scott Stewart, his biggest priority was the horses. “I wanted a barn that was very friendly for them,” Ken elaborates. “It had to have big windows and be very airy with big aisles. Air flow was obviously very important—in New Jersey, we can have some very brutal summers.” Lucky for Ken, he managed to find the perfect property—a cornfield that was located on top of a hill in Flemington, NJ. As one of the higher points in the state, he knew that this property would offer a breeze to keep both horses and

humans cool on even the hottest summer days. In 2009, Ken’s vision came true with the completion of his 75-stall barn, equipment garage, and groom’s quarters that sit on approximately 70 acres of land. “We also incorporated a lot of doors and high ceilings, so the air is always very fresh,” Ken adds. Of course, ventilation was only one aspect that contributed to Ken’s image of the facility. In addition to keeping the horses’ comfort in mind, he also wanted to ensure that they were safe, which is why he included features such as 4' x 4' steel-framed Dutch windows with yoked grills, automatic waterers, and fitted

River’s Edge Inc.

(Above) River’s Edge Inc. at dusk. (Right) The fountain that Ken had imported from Provence, France.

PHOTOS: LAURA LUIS/THREE LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY

mats in every stall. Additionally, he uses a computerized fly system to keep the bugs at bay. “The horses rarely have to shake off a fly themselves, it’s very nice,” Ken says. “The fly system regulates the amount of spray and comes out from the ceiling in an organic, natural mist. During the worst season, we’ll have it set to come on every 20 minutes for approximately a minute. For me, it’s been fantastic.” The horses’ comfort and safety weren’t the only factors that came to mind when building this facility, though. In addition to contributing to the overall ventilation, the layout of the 2013 Barn & Arena Guide

| EQUINE JOURNAL.COM 27

(Inside) Ken had the facility designed with eight wash and grooming stalls adjacent to one another. (Outside) A courtyard with well-manicured gardens surround the fountain.

PHOTOS: LAURA LUIS/THREE LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY

barn was designed to be aesthetically pleasing, and Ken wanted to ensure that the facility remained private from passersby driving down the road. To complete Ken’s vision, the barn was constructed around a courtyard complete with a fountain imported from Provence, France, that is approximately 10' in diameter. No shortcuts were taken on the outside of the facility, either, as it consists of exterior walls comprised of insulated concrete block and stucco siding with natural stone wainscoting. Additionally, Ken splurged on a set of gates, as well as 8' pillars and custom lighting that was inspired by some he had seen while visiting Livingstone Palace in South Africa; both features complement the 15' pine hedge that spans approximately six acres of his property. “Now you can’t see the barn anymore. And I’ve completely closed it off because we’ve got woods on all three sides,” Ken says. “So now when you drive halfway up the driveway, you can’t see anything but the gate.” With a facility like River’s Edge, it’s hard for Ken to pinpoint his favorite aspect of it. From the cross-breeze that is caught inside the barn as a result of the four high arched entryways and multiple windows, to the heated floors in all the tack rooms, offices, and supply room, and even the laundry room with industrial washers and dryers, this facility truly offers everything he could ask for. And when asked if he’d do anything differently, Ken says he wouldn’t change a thing. “I have to say, thanks to Georgia Hickey of King Construction, the barn is brilliantly

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ert Boisv Farm

done,” he says. “There’s nothing I would have changed in the design of it.”

Family Style Farm Built in 2011, Boisvert Farms is a familyoperated stable based in Baton Rouge, LA, specializing in Arabians and HalfArabians. Staying true to the way the business operates, it was only natural to turn the process of building the newly designed facility into a family affair. Rhein Standish, who spearheaded the process of building the barn, had one priority for his family’s 22-stall facility: to have it close together and all under one roof, without compromising the look of a traditional stable. “I didn’t want a barn that was just in a big building,” he says. “I wanted an actual barn.” And build a barn, they did. Rhein got started by hiring a local archi30

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tect to draw the plans of the facility and helping the family design a barn that was aesthetically pleasing, multi-functional, and affordable. “I wanted a post and beam type barn, but when I priced one out, it was a few million dollars,” he recalls. “I couldn’t afford that, so we ran into Barn Pros, a kit barn company that worked out well. They figure out the specs for it and everything that you need. And the pieces are manufactured beams, they’re not big, solid beams, so it helps you save some money. The end product came out very well, and it was affordable.” Between working with Barn Pros and Classic Equine Equipment, who helped Rhein price out all of his doors, stall fronts, and all of the metal work inside the facility, the family was able to create the custom farm of their dreams. So what makes this equestrian center

different from most others? For starters, the front entrance doors to the facility are personalized with the letters “BF,” and fold back and unlatch to the wall. “That added a nice touch to it,” says Rhein. Then, there are the high ceilings, the five cupolas (four smaller ones, and a larger one in the middle), and the three oversized fans that create a breeze inside throughout the year. “I personally love the high ceilings,” Rhein comments. “It makes it so nice to be able to work in the summertime, and you can work all day without having such a hard time. The fans help as well—they move a tremendous amount of air. Because 90% of our weather is heat, that’s really our biggest compliment, just how this barn is able to stay cool.” However, the main attraction of this facility (besides the horses, of course)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLASSIC EQUINE EQUIPMENT/MIKE FERRARA

Boisvert Farms welcomes its clients with an iron chandelier and spiral staircase just inside its main entrance. The inside of the facility features stunning woodwork and high ceilings.

Although she wanted to incorporate an old world look to her facility, Laurie also wanted to make sure she was able to utilize some of the latest advances in technology within it. “I really wanted something that would be energy efficient and environmentally friendly,” she says. “And since I knew it was going to be such a big building, I needed something that would be low maintenance.” From including automatic waterers and night lights in each stall to using a design for the facility that would allow for efficacy, Laurie’s dream of utilizing technology for efficiency came true. The barn is

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(Outside) The exterior of Beacon Woods features stucco siding and stone wainscoting. (Inside) Cafe-style tables and artwork give the facility’s viewing room a homelike atmosphere.

Old World Appeal For Laurie Paternoster of Beacon Woods Stables in Glastonbury, CT, function was key when she began building her 11,288 square foot, courtyard style barn in 2010. “I wanted something that was very functional, but I was also looking for something that had kind of an old world, European look to it,” Laurie recalls. “When I first saw the property, my thought was to build a barn that might look like it was from Ireland or France, and it does kind of have a French look to it.” In order to get this look, Laurie hired King Construction to design a facility with a stucco exterior and stone wainscoting across the front. Additional stone walls form a center courtyard at the main entryway. Laurie also chose to limit the stonework to the front of the facility, and used HardiePlank® lap siding for the rest of the exterior. “It’s kind of a wood look, but is really easy to maintain—I think it’s a little more expensive than if we had done it in wood, but in the long run, it should save us some money,” she comments.

shaped like a “Y” with 12 stalls in each aisle, and an additional work aisle with four grooming stalls. There are also two farrier/veterinarian/dentist stalls as well. “What I love about this is that the farrier or vet can just drive right over and back their trucks up to those stalls,” says Laurie. “We have doors that open so you can cross-tie your horse right there.” Additionally, Laurie made sure that she had a viewing room for her indoor that would make clients and guests feel at home while watching lessons. It consists of a kitchen and café-style tables and stools, and even has artwork on the walls to give it a homelike atmosphere. She also included a handicapped ramp in the viewing room, so that her brother, who is in a wheelchair, could have access. “I just wanted a comfortable place for people to go,” Laurie says. “And that’s what it turned out to be…there’s always coffee available, and it’s heated. And it has paid off—we get a lot of use out of it, but I don’t feel like we put too much money into it or went crazy with it.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KING CONSTRUCTION

is not the entry doors, high ceilings, or ceiling fans, but the two-tiered iron chandelier that hangs at 8' in diameter and was custom made for the entryway. “We were inspired by a similar chandelier in a beach community that we vacation at in Florida,” Rhein says. “We just fell in love with it, so we had one designed just like it—it really does add a nice effect.” In addition to the chandelier is a spiral staircase that leads to the cupola in the center of the barn. This cupola is custom made and consists of a total of 12 windows—three on each side. “The staircase was a lot, but it allows people who come out to get a view of the whole entire farm, instead of just the show barn,” Rhein says, adding, “You go up the staircase and can walk out onto a platform, and then you can go out onto the second level. You can actually stand on the middle platform and look out and see all of the horses in the barn, and then you can go up to the next level and see through all of the windows in the cupola and look out onto the whole farm.” And, what would southern charm be without beautiful landscaping to greet guests and clients visiting the farm? Luckily for the family, Suzanne Turner, Rhein’s mother-in-law, is a landscape architect who designed the new driveway—straight, leading up to a circular driveway in front of the facility. “When you come into the property, you cannot see the barn, except for the cupolas, but you drive in and take a left turn. When you do, you just see the whole barn. It’s a pretty magnificent look.” Despite the hard work, budgeting, and hands-on efforts that the entire family put into building the barn, they are ecstatic about the outcome. “This is a facility that my wife and I spent quite a few years planning, and being able to do it along with my in-laws, who helped us, made it a very nice experience,” Rhein concludes.

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2013 Barn & Arena Guide

| equine Journal.com 33

AN S SU

W LO S IN W

It takes constant effort and plenty of seasonal maintenance to keep your barn safe and looking great throughout the years.

Impression A LASTING

Anyone who has spent time around farms knows the constant effort it takes to maintain a barn or arena. From the minute the last nail is driven in a new barn, the elements conspire to undo all your hard work on the outside, while horses work their destructive magic on the inside. However, with seasonal maintenance, it’s possible to stay ahead of these factors to keep your barn and arena attractive and safe. Paul and Karen Cuneo and their daughter, Kristen, are the owners of the 34

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169-acre Kingswood Farm and the Wings and Hooves Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program in East Kingston, NH. Karen describes the level of commitment necessary to maintain their high standard of safety and cleanliness, “We love living on the farm, but most people who don’t have a barn of their own don’t understand that you are on 24/7, 365 days a year, and everything that comes up broken comes out of your own pocket. In winter there are the elements: snow/ice, subzero temperatures, rain,

and high winds. In spring and summer, the maintenance issues are daily checking of paddock/fencing, keeping down the dust in the arena, and maintaining the fly control spray system.” With 36 horses on the property, the Cuneos routinely check fence lines, stall interiors, and aisle ways for damage. She says, “Wear and tear from the equines is constant: chewing, kicking at stall doors, weaving or pacing in paddocks, all those things take a toll, so the maintenance is constant.”

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF LUCAS EQUINE EQUIPMENT

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Horses can make safety hazards out of the most benign conditions. That is why grill spacing, wall strength, and the quality of stall materials are important.

It’s important to be proactive in your seasonal barn care. Dylan Zublin, operations manager at Old Town Barns in Pawling, NY, encourages barn owners to take extra steps to prepare for the extreme weather challenges in northern regions before they happen. He says, “While there are several chores to be done prior to the start of each new season, preparations for the winter months can be much more critical. Water, feed, and medication for animals are essential in keeping them healthy, so be sure to test water heaters and climate controls before the harsh winter weather begins. Double check that the ventilation system is working properly to ensure there is enough airflow inside the barn while the doors are closed. Also make sure that the barn roof is in good condition to handle the additional weight of the snow and check that the gutters are clear of any leaves to allow for the melting snow to drain properly. Above all else, stay safe and keep warm.”

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Thornton offers the following suggestions for fall and spring maintenance: • Clean, Clean, Clean. Clear out those cobwebs and layers of dust that have

accumulated over the winter. Not only is this dirt just plain unattractive, it can also create a fire hazard and contributes to respiratory problems in both humans and animals. Remember, clean steel stall components with water and a mild dishwashing liquid, never abrasive cleaners. Never pressure-wash wooden stalls. The intense pressure can degrade the wood. • Be on the Lookout. Bored horses cooped up in some of the worst winter weather can inflict wear and tear on even the most durable stalls. Take this opportunity to inspect and repair the interior of the stall. You’ll be looking for any cracked or broken boards or exposed steel (if a horse has chewed off any paint). Any exposed steel should immediately be touched up with paint. Contact your stall manufacturer for a color that will match. Hot dip galvanized stalls will likely need little maintenance on the coating. Powder coated or wet painted stalls may need to be touched up or painted every few years, depending on your environment. You should also use this time to consider future prevention of this type of wear and tear. Stall design experts can offer many great solutions, such as chew guards or stronger types of hardwood.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LUCAS EQUINE EQUIPMENT

Extreme Weather Preparation

The experts at Lucas Equine Equipment specialize in helping farm owners cut down on seasonal and routine maintenance by listening to concerns of farm owners like the Cuneos and developing products geared toward low and maintenance-free care. Nick Thornton is a stall design expert at Lucas. He says, “Weather and climate are definitely important considerations when building or rehabbing horse stalls or barns. For instance, in coastal areas where salt air is prevalent, choosing hot-dipped galvanized stalls will create a rugged and practically maintenancefree coating. Severe weather in any area makes stainless steel hinges and latches vital elements for stall and barn doors. After all, these are the parts of your barn that you’ll open and close thousands of times over the course of a few years. Use the very best materials and companies you can afford. Don’t cut corners to save money. If you do, you’ll likely spend more money re-doing those ‘cut corners’ down the road.”

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• Check Hinges, Tracks, and Latches. These items are the real workhorses of any stall. They can make or break a stall. That’s why it’s important to invest in high quality hardware from the get-go. Inspect each interior and exterior door and window. Are hinges operating easily? A little WD-40 can always work wonders. Replace any hinges or latches that show rust and adjust any of these items that need realignment. Some sliding door tracks are self-cleaning; however, others may need to be freed of any built-up debris. The door carriers that slide along that track should move easily. If you have to use anything more than just a finger to slide open your doors, you likely need to replace the door carriers. • Don’t Forget the Wash Stalls. These areas can be breeding grounds for mold and clutter! Clean and unclog drains to help prevent standing water. Also, make sure cleaning supplies are organized and have proper storage cabinets or containers. Inspect the boards and steel in this area for cracks, mold, and rust, and replace or touch up as needed. We all know that horses can make safety hazards out of the most benign conditions. That’s why grill spacing, door/wall

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Your geographic location is an important factor to consider when deciding on the type of barn you are going to build.

strength, and the quality of stall materials are so important when designing and building horse stalls. • Horse Proof Your Barn. Protect chewable surfaces. Chew guards should cover all edges of exposed wood. Make sure that the materials used to create your stalls and guards are thick enough to withstand serious abuse. Don’t forget to include chew guards on your structural posts and window ledges. Eliminate any protruding objects or catch points where a horse’s hair or skin could get caught. • Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Ventilation. One of the biggest things you can do in your barn for

your horse’s health is to focus on having good ventilation. Barn builders frequently design and build stalls with ventilated lumber or steel grills, however, the most popular (and most horse-proof) path to good ventilation is welded crosshatch mesh. A proper crosshatch design will keep the vertical rods turned toward the inside of the stall. This creates a consistent and catch-free design, so horses that paw and scrape don’t get beat-up knees or hooves from raking down the door. When you maintain your barn, arena, and fences, you protect your investment and ensure the safety of your equines. The final reward is the peace of mind, and you can’t put a price on that.

Lee, craftsman 11 years

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Rocky Knoll Stables shares their ClearSpan™ Experience David and Carolyn Vadeboncoeur are happy to help their daughter, Ariel V Channell, run Rocky Knoll Stables. While Ariel handles the day-to-day chores, lessons and training, David assists with chores and maintenance and Carolyn provides support to keep everything running smoothly. In order to expand the business, Ariel needed to find a way to work around the cold and snow of Vermont winters. Carolyn explains, “We didn't ride much in the winter due to the snow and ice. We had to have an indoor riding arena to develop the business and to keep our animals working all winter to be ready for show season.” After conducting research on the internet, the economical price of ClearSpan Fabric Structures led Ariel to purchase an 83' x 165' ClearSpan Hercules Truss Arch building for use as an indoor riding arena. With the existing wooden barn located too far away from the site where the arena was to be located, “we needed stalls closer to the new ClearSpan arena,” says Carolyn. To solve this problem, as well as add more space to the business, Ariel bought a 28' x 48' ClearSpan Storage Master SolarGuard building to use for more horse stalls and tack rooms. What most surprised Ariel and her parents about the buildings is the light that passes through the fabric walls. “The light is totally amazing.” Carolyn adds, “We expected it to be light, but it has surpassed our expectations.” She also notes, “We’ve been pleased by the special attention we’ve received from ClearSpan representatives” to fix any issues that have come up along the way. Using a little ingenuity, she explains that David, a “physicist, turned ‘pharmer’ (his spelling, of course), designed a tunnel between the two buildings” to further protect horses and people from the elements. By purchasing these two buildings, Ariel was able to add an indoor riding arena, six horse stalls, four pony stalls, two tack stalls and one wash stall to Rocky Knoll Stables. For the goal of expansion, Carolyn says, “the ClearSpan buildings are suiting our purposes just fine.”

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Equestrian center expands with a ClearSpan™ Indoor Riding Arena When Katie and Gary McClure built a new barn on their property three years ago, they decided to open their own boarding facility. Their next step was to look into indoor riding arena options. Katie explains, “In order to have a good boarding facility, we needed to have an indoor arena.” She continues, “I also always wanted to have my own indoor arena. We are located in Northeast Ohio and we experience winter weather from November until April; I almost had to stop riding in those months.”

They compared the prices of metal, wood and fabric buildings, and discovered that fabric structures were the most economical of the three building types. Katie was also attracted to the fact that fabric structures do not require daytime artificial light. She says, “Metal and wood buildings have to be lit basically anytime you’re in the building, day or night.” They chose a 72' x 160' ClearSpan Hercules Truss Arch Building. The ClearSpan indoor riding arena is working out well for the McClures. As well as offering it as part of their boarding services, they are also able to rent arena time. Katie says, “Horses that have never been in an indoor arena adjust really well to it. There are no dark corners or shadows for the horses to be afraid of. The arena is very bright, which makes it very nice to ride in.” The height and openness also allow them to set up jumps without worrying about riders hitting their heads. A true test of the durability of their ClearSpan arena is how well it withstands the weather. “We have had over 100" of snow in the past twow months and it has held up with no problems,” explains Katie. She continues, “I was quite surprised at how well it has withstood the high winds we get around here. There is no flapping or vibrating noise.” According to Katie, “The building is a joy to ride in.”

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2013 Barn & Arena Guide

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Index to advertIsers A & B Lumber & Barns . . . . . . . . . .44

Clear Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 41

MD Barnmaster of NY . . . . . . . . . . .24

Advanced Barn Construction . . . . . .29

Corinthian Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Millcreek Manufacturing . . . . . . . . .24

Angel View Pet Cemetery . . . . . . . . .37

Crossen Arabians, Llc . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Mitrano Removal Service, Llc . . . . . .24

DJ Reveal Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Norfolk Power Equipment, Inc . . . . . .2

GGT Footing/Winsor Farm Sales . . .33

Old Town Barns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Hill View Mini Barns . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Paradise Energy Solutions . . . . . . . .42

IGK/North Brook Farms . . . . . . . . . .9

Penn Dutch Structures . . . . . . . . . . .23

J & E Manufacturing, Llc . . . . . . . . .22

Precise Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

King Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Priefert Mfg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Kloter Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Quarry View Construction . . . . . . . .25

Linear Rubber Products . . . . . . . . . .21

Springfield Fence Co ., Inc . . . . . . . . .19

Lucas Equine Equipment, Inc . . . . . .39

The Carriage Shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Mainline Fence Company . . . . . . . . .33

Wellcroft Fence Systems . . . . . . . . . .13

Attwood Equestrian Surfaces . . . . . . .4 Aubuchon Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 B&D Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Barn Pros, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Blue Chip Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Brooks Post & Beams, Inc . . . . . . . . .3 Center Hill Barns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Circle B Barns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Classic Equine Equipment . . . . . . . 6,7

equine Journal

| 2013 Barn & Arena Guide

AN A&B ARENA/STALL BARN Start to Finish, Inside and Out.

Indoor Riding Arena/Stall Barn - Plainfield, NH Arena Dimensions: 80’ x 160’ x 14’ Stall Barn Dimensions: 36’ x 120’ x 12’

Call us Toll Free Today! 800 267-0506

LU M B E R B A RNS

Jeff Smith Bob Austin Charles Noyes III

129 Sheep Davis Rd., Pembroke, NH Route 25, Moultonborough, NH Specializing in providing design and materials for horse barns of all types!

Stall Barns, Riding Arenas, Storage Sheds, Run-in Sheds, Cupolas and Dairy Barns