Education on mare motels, pls.

[Hermein]

We’re moving to the mountains. I had intended to dismantle and move my barn up with us, but that’s becoming more and more complicated, not to mention more and more $$$.

So now I’m thinking about buying a breezeway roof that would accomodate seven stalls and a feed room. This is what I would start with: http://www.cactushorsecorrals.com/Raised-Center-Aisle-p/hsfsrca4836.htm

Or this: http://www.cactushorsecorrals.com/Mare-Motel-Cover-p/hsfsmm3648.htm

The weather in the mountains would necessitate wind breaks, at least, which could be added before winter. I have lots of strong panels that could serve as stalls (all the horses get along) as well as individual runs. Later, I’d like to add siding and doors front and back, and gates from the stalls to the runs.

Is this completely crazy? Has anyone here done something similar? Advice?

Thanks.

[saddleup]

I boarded my horses at a place in their mare motel section. It does snow here; the BO had an awning company make basically a big wrap that they attached in the winter, on the long sides of the “motel” blocking the wind and snow/rain/hail that would inevitably come. It worked great. She had sliding doors on the ends that were open basically all the time, so the ventilation was great. The individual stalls were 12x24. The horses left it alone, which surprised us all. My guys were very happy in that set up.

It was really cool and comfortable in the summer because of the great air flow, and it was shaded by big trees on the west side.

[Hermein]

I hadn’t considered a “wrap”. Good idea.

We’ll be in the southern Sierras which used to get snow. Now I think they get little flurries that disappear over night. This drought can’t last forever. I hope.

Thanks for the good idea.

[Miss_Motivation]

You can do mare motels with solid exterior walls and pipe interior walls, too. Think beyond the usual configurations of all solid or all pipe for some hybrid ideas.

I can suggest, though, that solid walls between the ‘stall’ portion of the corrals are a good idea. Unless you just have a couple of cream puff sweet horses, you’d be surprised at the amount of fence fighting the horses can get into when there is food nearby.

Sure, some solid walls will cost you a lot more, but if you plan to keep your place for a long time, and you don’t want horses trying to maim themselves, fang each other, or make a huge metallic racket at feeding time, consider some solid, full-height walls between the 12’ or so front of the accommodations.

If solid interior walls are not in your budget, you can cover the pipe with plywood (which the horses will eventually destroy) or other materials like surplus conveyor belting. Anything that keeps the horses from watching each other eat will help, and will also block wind/weather from blowing that direction. (And keep hay from blowing away!)

You might get some great ideas on Pinterest, and talk to modular barn builders with experience in the area you’re moving to- they could be a great resource for ideas that work in that climate.

[Miss_Motivation]

Another thing- heavy duty gutters and downspouts can make a huge difference in keeping the dry dry and the wet out. Gotta make 'em strong though or the horses will use the down spouts for toys.

You can also use railroad ties or similar big timbers to put a railing to the inside of the roof line, to help keep bedding or mats in place and keep mud out.

[Hermein]

Thanks for the ideas. I’m intending to put wooden floors in the stall areas–2x6 planks on 4x4 posts–mats & bedding on top, plus a rr tie “porch” to keep feet dry. If that doesn’t work, I’ll put solid walls on the outside, with sliding doors at each stall opening.

Hadn’t even thought about Pinterest for barns :applause:!!!

Hadn’t thought about gutters and downspouts either. That must come hand-in- hand with living through the 4th year of drought.

PS–Current barn has inside walls that are half solid and half bars, which I think is ideal. Thier runs are pipe panels that are shared (shed row barn). The boys play “swords” across the panels, but keep all feet on the ground.