Horse Barn Plans, Designs, & Layouts

Planning a Horse Barn That Truly Works: A Practical Horse Barn Planning Guide from Milmar Buildings

Designing a horse barn is about more than picking a size and putting up walls. A good barn supports the health of your horses, makes daily chores easier, and holds up through years of Midwest weather and hard use.

At Milmar Buildings, we’ve worked with horse owners who want everything from a simple, no-frills shelter to a fully finished equine facility, for both private and commercial projects. While every barn is different, the most successful projects all start the same way: with thoughtful planning and a layout that fits how the barn will actually be used.

This guide is meant to help you think through horse barn plans, designs, and layouts—whether you’re aiming for a more luxury setup or keeping a close eye on the budget—all within the flexibility of post-frame (or pole barn) construction.

Also, to view our pre-designed, ready-to-build plans and designs, check out our horse barn building plans page here! To start with custom designing your horse barn, riding arena, or other equine facility with us simply fill out the contact form here.

Why Post-Frame Construction Makes Sense for Horse Barns

Post-frame construction is the building method Milmar uses for horse barns because it offers flexibility, strength, and value—without unnecessary complexity or cost.

For horse owners, that means:

• Open-feel interiors

• Great airflow and ventilation options

• Faster build times compared to conventional construction

• A cost-effective way to customize layout and size

• Easier expansion if your needs change down the road

Simply put, post-frame barns are practical, durable barns, while still allowing for beautiful and timeless design.

Getting the Layout Right from the Start

A well-planned layout saves time every day. When we talk with clients, we focus on how the space is being used.

Stalls

Most standard stalls are 12’ x 12’, but we’ll often recommend adjusting size based on breed, use, or whether a stall may be used for foaling.

Common layouts include:

• Center-aisle barns for efficiency and weather protection

• Side-aisle barns for smaller footprints

• Shed-row barns for simplicity and ventilation

There’s no one “right” option—just what works best for your horses and your routine.

Aisles and Access

Aisle width matters more than many people expect:

• 10’–12’ aisles provide safer handling

• Wider aisles allow for equipment, grooming, or vet access

• Thoughtful door placement reduces congestion and stress

Feed, Tack, and Storage

We encourage clients to think about how often they’ll use each space:

• Tack rooms located close to stalls reduce extra steps

• Feed rooms should stay dry, secure, and easy to access

• Hay storage can be integrated or separate depending on safety preferences

Ideas for a More Luxury Horse Barn

Some clients want a barn that’s not just functional, but a space they truly enjoy spending time in. Post-frame construction allows for upgrades that improve comfort without sacrificing practicality.

Popular luxury features include:

• Steel-framed or custom wood stall fronts

• Insulated walls and ceilings for year-round use

• Wash bays with proper drainage and hot/cold water

• Rubber flooring/mats in stalls and aisles

• Higher eave heights for a more open, airy feel

• Extra windows for increased air flow and natural lighting

• Bathrooms, living quarters/apartment in the barn, and even second floors for these purposes

• Dutch doors for the extra touch of classy

• Large indoor riding arenas (to allow you and your animals the space to stretch and run no matter the weather)

Building a Horse Barn on a Budget (Without Regret)

We work with plenty of horse owners who want a solid, dependable barn without extras they don’t need. That’s where smart planning really pays off.

Keep the Design Simple

• Straightforward building shapes reduce cost

• Shed-row or smaller center-aisle layouts are efficient

• Limiting square footage keeps budgets under control

• Eliminate an indoor riding arena if you need to stick to a lesser budget. Indoor riding arenas as so practical for you and your animals in the weather that the Midwest brings, but they also add a significant cost and overall footprint to your build.
  
  

Choose Practical Materials

• Metal siding and roofing for durability and low maintenance (think of eliminating any accenting stonework or extras that might add cost)

• Concrete where it matters most (aisles, wash areas)

• Basic stall partitions that can be upgraded later

Plan for Growth

Even budget barns benefit from future-proofing:

• Design with expansion in mind

• Leave space for additional stalls or storage

• Build the shell now, finish interiors later

A well-built post-frame barn allows flexibility without requiring everything upfront.

Ventilation, Light, and Horse Health

No matter the budget, ventilation should never be an afterthought.

Post-frame barns make it easier to include:

• Ridge vents and sidewall ventilation

• Cupolas or vented overhangs

• Large sliding doors and natural light

Good airflow helps reduce moisture, ammonia buildup, and respiratory issues—something every horse owner can appreciate.

A Supportive Approach to Barn Planning

Our goal isn’t to sell you on features you don’t need. It’s to help you think through your options so you end up with a barn that works for your horses, your property, and your budget.

The best horse barns aren’t always the biggest or the most expensive—they’re the ones that are planned carefully for each client's needs and desires and built to last.

If you’re in the early planning stages or just gathering ideas, we’re always happy to share insight and help you think things through. Sometimes a quick conversation can save time, money, and frustration down the road.

To check out just a few of the post frame horse barns we've built in the past, see our Building Projects page!