Top 5 Best Horse Barn Styles
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!
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.
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!
- Bank Barn
- Pole Barn
- Round Pen Barn
- Panelized/Prefab Barn
- European-Style Barn
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.
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.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy access
- Excellent sunlight
- Wonderful fit for the South
- Ventilation throughout each stall
- Overhanging roof allows for extra storage
Cons
- Not ideal for colder climates
- Less options for customization
- Snow may accumulate on the roof
- Less storage space than other horse barn styles
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.
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 Details | Structural Details |
| Base Size: 36‘x36′ | Roof Overhang: 10″ Overhang (all sides) |
| Architectural Shingles: Brown | Trusses: Standard Truss |
| Trim: Barn White | Leg Height: 8′ |
| Siding: Cedar (Stain) | Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Door: Barn White | Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Window Frame: White | Top Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Frame Spacing: 12′ Max Spacing | Top Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Roof Style: Architectural Shingles | Front End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Roof Pitch: 4 / 12 | Back End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| 28″ x 24″ Single Hung Window | 5′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door |
| 6′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door | Cupola: 24″ x 24″ Cupola |
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!
Pros
- Easy access
- Very Affordable
- Excellent sunlight
- Perfect Ventilation
- Wonderful fit for the South
- Freedom for horses to roam
Cons
- Most basic design
- Not ideal for colder climates
- Less room for customization
- Less protection from the elements
- More difficult to feed and care for horses
- Less space compared to other horse barn styles
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 Details | Structural Details |
| Base Size: 10‘x16′ | Roof Overhang: Standard Overhang |
| Architectural Shingles: Charcoal | Trusses: Standard Truss |
| Trim: Navajo White | Leg Height: 8′ |
| Siding: Mahogany (Stain) | Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: LP Smartside |
| Roof Pitch: 3 / 12 | Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: LP Smartside |
| Frame Spacing: 12′ Max Spacing | Front End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: LP Smartside |
| Roof Style: Architectural Shingles | Back End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: LP Smartside |
| Cupola: 24″ x 24″ Cupola | 8′ x 7′ Frameout (Run-in) – Corner Style: 45º (Dutch Opening) |
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.
Pros
- Warm
- Good ventilation
- Proper protection
- Beautiful aesthetic
- Excellent durability
- Extra storage options
Cons
- More Expensive
- Less natural light
- Harder to construct depending on elevation
- Hay stored in loft can pose a fire hazard
- Less accessible if experiencing harsh weather conditions
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 Details | Structural Details |
| Base Size: 36‘x48′ | Trusses: Standard Truss |
| Architectural Shingles: Slate | Leg Height: 9′ |
| Trim: Barn White | Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Siding: Leola Almond | Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Door: Leola Almond | Top Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Window Frame: White | Top Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Frame Spacing: 12′ Max Spacing | Front End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Roof Style: Architectural Shingles | Back End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Roof Pitch: 8 / 12 | 28″ x 24″ Single Hung Window |
| Roof Overhang: 10″ Overhang (all sides) | 6′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door |
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.
Pros
- Good ventilation
- Open Concept
- Proper protection
- Beautiful aesthetic
- Excellent durability
- Extra storage options
Cons
- More Expensive
- Less natural light
- Harder to construct depending on elevation
- Less accessible if experiencing harsh weather conditions
- Not always an efficient use of space; depends on your horses particular needs
Sizes
Our Lancaster Barn sizes start at 30×20 and can be made larger (up to 38×60), per your request.
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 Details | Structural Details |
| Base Size: 36‘x36′ | Roof Overhang: 10″ Overhang (all sides) |
| Architectural Shingles: Brown | Trusses: Standard Truss |
| Trim: Barn White | Leg Height: 8′ |
| Siding: Cedar (Stain) | Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Door: Barn White | Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Window Frame: White | Top Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Frame Spacing: 12′ Max Spacing | Top Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Roof Style: Architectural Shingles | Front End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Roof Pitch: 4 / 12 | Back End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| 28″ x 24″ Single Hung Window | 5′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door |
| 6′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door | Cupola: 24″ x 24″ Cupola |
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).
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
- Open Concept
- Good ventilation
- Beautiful aesthetic
- Excellent durability
- Small loft above the aisle
- Proper protection for horses
Cons
- Pricier
- Less natural light
- Stairs to the loft obstruct the area
- Loft is smaller and less user-friendly than the High Country Barn
Sizes
Our Monitor Barn sizes start at 30×20 and can be made larger, if you desire.
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 Details | Structural Details |
| Base Size: 36‘x36′ | Roof Overhang: 10″ Overhang (all sides) |
| Architectural Shingles: Brown | Trusses: Standard Truss |
| Trim: Barn White | Leg Height: 8′ |
| Siding: Cedar (Stain) | Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Door: Barn White | Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Window Frame: White | Top Left Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Frame Spacing: 12′ Max Spacing | Top Right Side: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Roof Style: Architectural Shingles | Front End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| Roof Pitch: 4 / 12 | Back End: Fully Enclosed – Siding: Vertical Board & Batten |
| 28″ x 24″ Single Hung Window | 5′ x 8′ Split-leaf Slider Door |
| Cupola: 24″ x 24″ Cupola | 6′ 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 Style | Design & Features | Main Con | Size | Cost |
| High Country | Multiple 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 space | Hay stored in loft can pose a fire hazard | 30×20 or larger | $$$$$ |
| Monitor | Multiple horse stalls on each side; aisle in between two rows of stalls; stairs in the middle aisle, leading to a small loft directly above the aisle | Stairs to the loft obstruct walking space in the middle aisle | 30×20 or larger | $$$$ |
| Lancaster | Multiple horse stalls on each side; open, elevated center aisle for efficient chore processes; small loft above aisle; extra storage space; lean-to roof for extra protected space | Less natural light | 30×20 or larger | $$$ |
| Lean-To | Slanted roof gives protection from the elements; doors & windows attached to each stall; excellent source of ventilation; plenty of sunlight | Not warm enough for horses in colder climates | 10×12 – 12×48 | $$ |
| Run-In | Open concept; no stalls; allows horses to roam without any hindrances; enables horses to get protection from the sun | Very little protection from extreme weather conditions | 18×12 – 12×48 | $ |
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!
