Newsletter: November 2009

Selecting an Architect or Designer for Your Barn.

There are so many questions to ask yourself when considering a new horse barn. And,

whether it's a four-stall barn or 20-stall barn, an architect or designer may be able to help you get the look and functionality you want.

However, selecting an architect or designer for your new barn can be overwhelming. In the end, it's a totally personal decision, but there are some standard questions you should consider before you decide on your next architect.

1. Do I really need an architect or designer?

It depends! Good barn architects and designers can often save clients money. Because the professionals who specialize in horse barns design them to be built as efficiently as possible, choosing the right one can often help you get the look you want without overspending. Experienced barn architects and designers also understand how to design a barn to give your horses a safe and pleasant environment.

2. Who designed some of my favorite barns?

Ask around. Seek out your favorite barns. Ask friends and others in the industry. You'll likely hear honest feedback about each architect or designer, as well as the barn features they like and dislike. You'll get first-hand information before making a decision.

3. Can I see your work?

Architects and designers will often send you a letter of interest, brochures, photos of their work, and fact sheets. Don't be dazzled by too much glitzy marketing. Instead, use these items to help determine the professionalism and style of the particular architect or designer. And most importantly, be sure to ask for references.

4. Does this architect or designer understand my needs?

Does this architect or designer understand horses and the equine industry? Does he or she ask you enough questions to get a good idea of your needs? Will he or she listen to your concerns, and do you like his or her personality? Chemistry is crucial in selecting your architect or designer.

5. How do you charge for a project?

This can sometimes be confusing, but it is important to really understand this information upfront. Does this architect or designer charge by the hour or by the square foot, as a percentage of the construction cost or at a fixed fee?

Architects and designers who specialize in horse barns can add tremendous value to your project, but - depending on your needs - may or may not be necessary. Architects and designers can often help turn your ideas and style into a beautiful and functional space.

At Lucas Equine, we work closely with architects and designers all over the world to create custom horse stalls that fit seamlessly with the overall vision.

Safety First: Consider Your Latches.

We all know that equine safety is important in our barns. But, did you also know that the latches used in your barn play an important role in barn safety?

Indeed, latches are often chosen based on their aesthetic styling or their price. However, certain latch designs and construction can offer you optimal safety for your horses. And, you don't have to sacrifice style when choosing safe latches for your barn.

Here are some tips for picking out your stall latches:

1. No Obstructions. When selecting a latch, be sure to choose one that doesn't have

any obstructions or projections that could potentially injure a horse or person in the wrong circumstances.

2. Full and Easy Opening. Also, look for latches that open easily and fully. Make sure these latches are not accessible by the horse.

3. At-a-Glance Security. Finally, think about security. There are several types of latches that make it easy to see if they are securely and completely latched. Choosing this type of latch - such as a drop pin latch - helps you double-check at a glance the security of your animals.

The design specialists at Lucas Equine Equipment can help you choose or create the right latches for your particular environment. Click here to see our latches available online.

Maintaining Your Finish.

The environment inside any working horse barn is tough! To keep your steel-constructed stalls looking beautiful, there are a few easy steps you can take to maintain their finish.

Job-Specific Hardware.

Pay attention to what's going on in your barn. Are you or others inadvertently hanging items such as halters or feed bags on the painted equipment? Over time, the constant wearing can result in finish problems. Instead, add job-specific hardware, such as tie rings, bridle hooks and blanket bars to protect the finish on your stalls.

Vigilant Touch-ups.

Address marrs and scratches as soon as they occur. Even the most durable finishes will one day take a serious beating. Contact your stall manufacturer for touch-up paint to fix these small scratches before they become bigger issues.

Lucas Equine coatings experts can explain the ins and outs of our Super Durable Powder Coating or help you maintain the current finish on your horse stalls.