You have horses, a place for them to live, a place to store your tack, and even a place to ride. Now you need to outfit this operation to keep it running smoothly, and to enjoy your horses rather than simply caring for them. The proper equipment will help you manage your barn efficiently and safely, but there is a big difference when it comes to equipment you need versus equipment that's just nice to have.

Which equipment falls into which category depends on the type of farm you will be running. Without riding arenas, for instance, a mechanized drag becomes unimportant. Location also plays a role, as a four-horse family barn in Georgia might be able to get away with just a wheelbarrow and someone to haul off the manure pile. But the same farm in Minnesota will probably do better with a tractor for snow removal as well as hauling and spreading manure.

Individual preferences also account for variety. Other factors include staffing, storage space, barn function, and, of course, available funds. Even with diverse options, any barn will need certain functions performed, including mucking stalls, hauling, grounds maintenance, barn cleaning and maintenance, and feeding. The right equipment can make these chores much easier