No matter what type of barn you have, there is always maintenance you need to perform in order to keep the barn safe and comfortable for your horses. Dave Preston, a longtime horse owner and contractor living in Central Kentucky, has been involved in a number of barn building projects, including some $750,000 Thoroughbred barns near Lexington, as well as smaller barns for his family and friends.

"My big issues, whether it’s a new barn or makeover for an existing barn, are drainage and ventilation," Preston says.

These important factors play a role in health issues for horses. Any building can be created or improved to satisfactorily accommodate adequate drainage and ventilation. He says you need to provide drainage away from the building on at least a one- to six-degree slope, and you need to get good nondirect ventilation.

"Anything beyond these two factors is just common sense to make it as safe as possible for horses," Preston adds. "For example, I’ve poured concrete aisles and used exposed aggregate to give good traction. When finishing it, just brush and wash it enough to expose the stone to make a rough, nonslip surface. If it’s a masonry barn, use bullnose (rounded) block on all corners so there are no sharp corners a horse could hang himself on. Make sure all hangers and door hardware, etc., lie flush. Try not to have horizontal surfaces and ledges that cribbers can get hold of