Comparing Fabric Covered Structures to Traditional Horse Barns
As you develop a space for your horses, whether a riding barn or a living space, dozens of individual factors must be taken into consideration before any decision can be made. From the needs of the horse to the specific needs of the riders and caretakers, it is critical to carefully consider fabric-covered horse barns vs. traditional barns.
There are benefits to either option, but before you make a decision, consider the pros and cons of fabric horse barns and weigh them against your specific needs and goals. With so many building styles, Britespan can offer a custom solution to fit any of your needs and expectations.
Before You Get Started, Plan Your Horse Barn
Before comparing fabric-covered horse barns vs. traditional barns, it helps to have a design in mind. Some of the key factors that play a role in the success of these barns, including riding areas, include:
- Footing
- Lighting
- The size and shape of the space
- The types of materials best suited for supporting animal health and well-being
- Location, such as enough space to accommodate proper accessibility, drainage, and exposure to the elements
These factors vary widely based on the type and size of the horse, your goals for exercising the horse, and factors like available space and how best to use it.
Consider Animal Needs
Miscellaneous Riding Arena
As you think about the options in traditional horse barns, you already know what to expect. There’s ample weather protection, soil conditions can be maintained, and the animal’s well-being is possible. What about fabric-covered barns for horses? Do they stack up when you consider the basics of animal needs? The short answer is yes.
The benefits of fabric-covered horse barns are numerous and typically include:
- Access to more natural light instead of artificial light, which is a good thing for both people and animal
- Temperature control and mitigation, from high heat in the summer to very cold winter months
- Water-tight structures that keep the interior not only less humid but also dry and easy for riding conditions
- Ventilation is also one of the fabric barn benefits because fabric is far more breathable and easier to vent properly
- Daily use and easy maintenance are also benefits of fabric-covered barns, as they can take a significant amount of daily use and still perform reliably year after year
In short, when considering animal health and welfare in fabric-covered horse barns vs. traditional barns, they are rather equal. In many ways, equestrian fabric barns could be a bit easier to manage, and less maintenance is required as well.
Building Style for Horse Barns
Another factor to consider when choosing horse barn options is the material shape and structural aspects of the space. With the help of our team, we can design fabric buildings for equestrian use in the shape and size that fits your needs and expectations. Here are some of the features to consider in commercial riding arenas and associated areas, for example:
- Attached barns: Build out the horse barn options you need side-by-side. You can attach the riding arena directly to the barn, which eliminates the risk of animals being exposed to weather conditions and minimizes the amount of wear and tear on the arena.
- Pavillion-style buildings: For those looking for a roof-only structure, such as in a seasonal location or warmer climate, you can design the arena to have just enough protection as necessary, creating shade and providing UV protection without limiting views.
- No-column interior spaces: Unlike traditional barns, fabric horse barns do not have to have interior columns in place. This can significantly maximize the use of the available square footage, making it far easier to create a space that meets all needs.
Even More to Consider in a Horse Barn Comparison
Structurally, fabric barns for horses work well. They are also customized to fit any need. But what is the real difference between fabric-covered horse barns vs. traditional barns, then? Here are some of the most important aspects to think about before you make your decision:
- Fabric structures are quiet. There is less reverberation, which simply improves the quality of life for everyone using that space. Traditional steel sheeting materials used in horse barns are loud, especially in rainstorms. This also contributes to calmer animals.
- They are not thermally conductive. That means that the interior maintains a more consistent temperature without highly expensive heating and cooling costs. That can improve conditions while minimizing the costs of upkeep for your barn.
- It is often more competitively priced to design custom fabric barns for horses. You can add insulation to them, place doors and gates where you need them, incorporate wash bays, and place tack rooms within a lower budget than you could get with other horse barn options.
- Fabric is easier to maintain. An agricultural fabric building offers long-term use and functionality without high maintenance costs, and unlike a traditional barn, it requires far less time.
- Superior function designed just for you. Fabric building industries are not all the same, but at Britespan, you can expect our structures to provide ongoing performance for you for decades. That means years of reliable use that keeps your animals happy.
Fabric-Covered Horse Barns vs. Traditional Banks: Let’s Get Started
When it comes to building an equine barn, details matter. Let Britespan work closely with you to create an exceptional result for your space.