site planning
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Example site layout. We typically begin with a 2xD "birds eye" layout. After an initial review with our client, we develop accurately scaled, 3xD renderings to allow our clients to visually see how the layout and design will look before building. Contact us to learn more.
If you're building your own horse farm, or expanding your current facility, be sure to start with a good site plan. A site plan is a drawing, or bird's eye view of your property that includes the size and location of important natural features, existing structures, and planned future structures. While it is an extra step in developing your property, it is well worth the investment and can save you both time and money in the long run.
Site plans will often start with the following:
Site plans will often start with the following:
- Existing structures, if applicable (house, barn, arena, other outbuildings, etc)
- Natural features, such as streams, ponds, wetlands, meadows and forest
- Soil types (sand, loam, clay)
- Topography (two-foot contour lines are useful to show elevation changes)
- Roads
- Water and power lines, including hook-ups
- Water well, if applicable
- Septic tank and leach field
- Direction of water runoff and common areas of ponding
- Match best soil types to the appropriate land use. For example, you'll want a well-drained soil and subsoil (sandy mix) for your barn, paddock and training areas. If you do not have well-drained soil, you may need to excavate and fill. However, you'll want a richer soil type for pasture areas (loamy mix) to support healthy grass growth.
- Locate the barn, paddocks and arena on high, dry ground, with slight slopes (2-6%) to allow for drainage. In colder climates, look for berms, trees, or other natural buffers to protect your facility from cold winds, especially if it is on a higher elevation.
- Buffer all new structures appropriately from streams and wetlands to keep water clean.
- Plan for barns and sheds to be south-facing in cooler climates to protect from prevailing north/northwest winds and maximize sun exposure to stay warm in the winter. In warmer climates, do the opposite: face barns and sheds to the north to stay cool in the summer. Keep in mind that site specific wind patterns may vary from this general trend, so, to the best of your ability, take note of these patterns.
- Design your facility setup to maximize chore efficiency. For example, locating your compost bin far away from the barn and paddocks will make you less likely to pick up manure daily.
- Locate your well uphill of and away from manure storage areas and septic systems.
- Consider keeping a few trees, or even a larger stand of forest as part of your pasture. Trees can provide shade, block wind, and stabilize soil on hillsides. They also provide habitat for insect-eating birds. If you have a large enough pasture with plenty of grass, the horses are unlikely to chew the trees. If you have a smaller pasture or paddock area, you may keep only a few trees that you protect through fencing. Be aware, however, that some trees can be toxic to horses. If you don't know which trees are safe, or can't identify them, consult a professional. Often soil and water conservation district or Ag extension staff can assist with this.
