Top 5 Best Horse Barn Styles

Josiah Stoltzfus

August 25, 2023      Shed Tips

Like you, we are concerned that horses live in the best horse barn in order to meet their health, safety, and comfort needs. Ready for some answers to your questions? In this article, we’ll explain the best, most efficient horse barn styles that cater to your horse friends. Let’s dig deeper!

A High-Country horse barn style in the mountains.

What is the most efficient horse barn design?

We understand the need for efficiency in meeting the housing needs of your horses. When comparing different horse barn styles, we believe the Trailside Barn is the most cost efficient barn. This barn provides the same space and features of the Monitor and High Country Barns – middle aisle separating two rows of horse stalls – yet remains more affordable.

A shed row horse barn style

What are the different types of horse barn styles?

The different types of horse barn styles include Panelized Barns, Post and Beam Barns, Framed Barns, and more! Read on!

What are the best 5 horse barn styles?

With so many different horse barn styles to choose from, it’s imperative to pick the best fit for your horse’s needs. While every company is different, we at Fisher Barns have selected the best five horse barn styles out of our inventory: the Lean-To Barn, Run-In Shed, High-Country Barn, Lancaster Barn, and the Monitor Barn. 

A Lean-To Horse Barn Style.

Lean-To Barn

Design

The Lean-To Barn is complete with a slanted roof, giving you extra space to care for your horses and protect you from harsh weather conditions. Because of the doors and windows attached to each horse stall, the Lean-To Barn provides excellent ventilation, ensuring your horses are cool and comfortable.

Cost

Compared to our different horse barn styles, the Lean-To Barn is roughly an average price, making it an affordable option.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Take a quick look at this Lean-To Barn. Do you notice the single-sloped roof and easy ventilation for horses in warmer climates? Additionally, the Lean-To Barn is distinguished from other horse barn styles because of the excellent source of sunlight that can warm each stall.

A Lean-To Horse Barn, one of the different horse barn styles

Pros

Cons

Sizes

At Fisher Barns, we supply the Lean-To horse barn in standard sizes ranging from 10×12 to 12×48, allowing you to easily add extra stall styles as desired. However, the 3D Horse Barn Designer allows you to customize your horse barn as large as 24×60.

The interior of a Lean-To Barn, which is one of the best horse barn styles.

Structural Details

Curious about the structural details of our Lancaster Barn? Take a look at our chart below. As always, through our 3D Barn Designer you can customize and personalize your Lancaster Barn.

Structural DetailsStructural Details
Base Size: 36‘x36′Roof Overhang: 10″ Overhang (all sides)
Architectural Shingles: BrownTrusses: Standard Truss
Trim: Barn WhiteLeg Height: 8′
Siding: Cedar (Stain)Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Door: Barn WhiteRight Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Window Frame: WhiteTop Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Frame Spacing: 12′ Max SpacingTop Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Roof Style: Architectural ShinglesFront End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Roof Pitch: 4 / 12Back End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
28″ x 24″ Single Hung Window5′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door
6′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider DoorCupola: 24″ x 24″ Cupola

A Run-In horse barn style on the field.

Run-In Shed

Design

Looking for a horse barn style that brings your horse freedom to roam? Because of the Run-In Shed’s open concept (unlike most other horse barn styles), horses receive unlimited ventilation and exercise while still receiving shelter when needed. With the Run-In Shed, your horses are in control!

Cost

If cost is at the forefront of your mind, you’re in luck! The Run-In Shed is the cheapest horse barn style available at Fisher Barns.

Distinguishing Characteristics

We’re not the only creatures that hate to be confined! Your horse also longs to stretch out and explore, as desired. Thankfully, the Lean-To Shed extends freedom, eliminating all dividing stalls which keep horses separated and overly controlled. With the Run-In Shed, your horses will experience a greater sense of community and independence!

A Run-In Shed, one of the greatest horse barn styles.

Pros

Cons

Sizes

You can customize the size of your Run-In Shed, ranging from 8×12 to 12×60.

Structural Details

Below you will find a breakdown of some of the structural details of a Run-In Shed. We offer you the key to personalization with our 3D Horse Barn Designer!

Structural DetailsStructural Details
Base Size: 10‘x16′Roof Overhang: Standard Overhang
Architectural Shingles: CharcoalTrusses: Standard Truss
Trim: Navajo WhiteLeg Height: 8′
Siding: Mahogany (Stain)Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: LP Smartside
Roof Pitch: 3 / 12Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: LP Smartside
Frame Spacing: 12′ Max SpacingFront End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: LP Smartside
Roof Style: Architectural ShinglesBack End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: LP Smartside
Cupola: 24″ x 24″ Cupola8′ x 7′ Frameout (Run-in) – Corner Style: 45º (Dutch Opening)

A High Country Barn, which we believe to be a great horse barn style.

High-Country Barn

Design

We understand your desire to have a functioning barn for your horse and storage space for your horse supplies. With the High Country Barn, you will have just that! This horse barn style provides a spacious loft with a door for easy access. The interior includes multiple horse stalls with a middle aisle for convenient feeding.

Cost

With great design, comes higher costs. Yes, the High Country Barn is the most expensive barn style that we build.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Your loft can be used for storage, or alternatively can be designed into a studio for your hired help or an extra room to study and work remotely. Best yet, the design of the High Country Barn guarantees every horse is protected from the elements and able to rest comfortably.

One of the greatest horse barn styles, the High Barn.

Pros

Cons

Sizes

You can choose the size of your own High Country Barn, starting at 30×20 and made larger, if needed.

Structural Details

Check out a breakdown of some of the structural details of a High Country Barn. As always, you can customize and personalize your design with our 3D Horse Barn Designer.

Structural DetailsStructural Details
Base Size: 36‘x48′Trusses: Standard Truss
Architectural Shingles: SlateLeg Height: 9′
Trim: Barn WhiteLeft Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Siding: Leola AlmondRight Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Door: Leola AlmondTop Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Window Frame: WhiteTop Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Frame Spacing: 12′ Max SpacingFront End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Roof Style: Architectural ShinglesBack End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Roof Pitch: 8 / 1228″ x 24″ Single Hung Window
Roof Overhang: 10″ Overhang (all sides)6′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door

A Lancaster horse barn style.

Lancaster Barn

Design

As a combination between the Trailside and Monitor barn styles, the Lancaster Barn provides a center aisle so that you are able to easily meet the needs of every horse in your barn. The aisle separates two rows of stalls.

Cost

The Lancaster Barn cost is a bit above the average horse barn style price we offer at Fisher Barns.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Lancaster Barn’s most distinguishing feature is an open, elevated center aisle which allows for greater accessibility and a welcoming, open feel. On top of that, each Lancaster Barn provides loft space and a lean-to roof.

This is the Lancaster Barn, standing as a great horse barn style.

Pros

Cons

Sizes

Our Lancaster Barn sizes start at 30×20 and can be made larger (up to 38×60), per your request. 

This is the Lancaster Barn, standing as a great horse barn style.

Structural Details

Curious about the structural details of our Lancaster Barn? Take a look at our chart below. As always, through our 3D Barn Designer you can customize and personalize your Lancaster Barn.

Structural DetailsStructural Details
Base Size: 36‘x36′Roof Overhang: 10″ Overhang (all sides)
Architectural Shingles: BrownTrusses: Standard Truss
Trim: Barn WhiteLeg Height: 8′
Siding: Cedar (Stain)Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Door: Barn WhiteRight Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Window Frame: WhiteTop Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Frame Spacing: 12′ Max SpacingTop Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Roof Style: Architectural ShinglesFront End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Roof Pitch: 4 / 12Back End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
28″ x 24″ Single Hung Window5′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door
6′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider DoorCupola: 24″ x 24″ Cupola

A Monitor Horse Barn which is one of the best types of horse barns.

Monitor Barn

Design

The Monitor Barn also has a spacious middle aisle, providing excellent room to chore and care for your horses. A loft stands above the middle aisle which offers storage space for all your horse needs.

Cost

Because of all the ideal features, the Monitor Barn is the second most expensive horse barn style we sell (right after the High Country Barn).

horse barn style

Distinguishing Characteristics

As our most popular horse barn style, The Monitor Barn, gives you access to a loft which you can customize to your dreams. Think of the possibilities: an office, a playroom, a storage unit and more!

Pros

Cons

Sizes

Our Monitor Barn sizes start at 30×20 and can be made larger, if you desire. 

A Monitor horse barn styles on the field.

Structural Details

The chart below summarizes the structural details of our Monitor Barn. As always, through our 3D Barn Designer you can customize this size.

Structural DetailsStructural Details
Base Size: 36‘x36′Roof Overhang: 10″ Overhang (all sides)
Architectural Shingles: BrownTrusses: Standard Truss
Trim: Barn WhiteLeg Height: 8′
Siding: Cedar (Stain)Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Door: Barn WhiteRight Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Window Frame: WhiteTop Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Frame Spacing: 12′ Max SpacingTop Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Roof Style: Architectural ShinglesFront End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
Roof Pitch: 4 / 12Back End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten
28″ x 24″ Single Hung Window5′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door
Cupola: 24″ x 24″ Cupola6′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door

 

Whoof, that was a mound of information! To make it easy on your eyes, we summarized the pertinent information in the table below. Happy viewing!

Horse Barn StyleDesign & FeaturesMain ConSize Cost 
High CountryMultiple horse stalls on each side; middle aisle for convenient feeding; extra storage or office space; full loft;lean-to roof on two sides for extra protected spaceHay stored in loft can pose a fire hazard30×20 or larger$$$$$
MonitorMultiple horse stalls on each side; aisle in between two rows of stalls; stairs in the middle aisle, leading to a small loft directly above the aisleStairs to the loft obstruct walking space in the middle aisle30×20 or larger$$$$
LancasterMultiple horse stalls on each side; open, elevated center aisle for efficient chore processes; small loft above aisle; extra storage space; lean-to roof for extra protected spaceLess natural light30×20 or larger$$$
Lean-ToSlanted roof gives protection from the elements; doors & windows attached to each stall; excellent source of ventilation; plenty of sunlightNot warm enough for horses in colder climates10×12  – 12×48$$
Run-InOpen concept; no stalls; allows horses to roam without any hindrances; enables horses to get protection from the sunVery little protection from extreme weather conditions18×12  –  12×48$

A Lancaster Barn, one of the different horse barn styles

Wrapping It Up

Thanks for reading with us! To summarize, at Fisher Barns our top five horse barn styles include the Lean-To, Run-In, High Country, Lancaster, and Monitor. If you want more information on how to best design your horse barn, read our article.

We understand that transporting your horse barn is a daunting process, but we’re excited to offer free delivery for the first 50 miles! All the best as you continue to provide quality care to your horses!

Find Your Perfect Structure

Are you tired of clutter, sick of tripping over things, and wishing you just had more space. At Fisher Barns, we provide great storage solutions so that you can worry less about clutter and focus more on what’s important. Find your perfect structure today.

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