Page 27 - The Hunt - Winter 2019/2020

For Buchanan’s clients, the minimum number of stalls for
a barn is four, while the average is six to eight. “Some of the large commercial stables in the area may have 40 to 50, which gives you an economy of scale,” he says.
Some larger European operations have tried to do away with stall cleaning by installing mechanical mucking devices with underground conveyors to move the waste away. “You’re probably better off just using a pitchfork and a wheelbarrow,” Buchanan says.
But while mucking hasn’t gone away, industrial-strength rubberized mats make stalls more comfortable for both horse and mucker. Security and safety are also major considerations. “Motion-activated wireless cameras are taking the place of the older cable setups,” Buchanan notes. “They’re especially handy if you have broodmares—you can just look at your phone and monitor what’s happening. It’s a nice safety feature.”
Few things are more frightening in horse country than a barn fire. A common cause is spontaneous combustion caused by heated chemical reactions when hay is stored while still wet—
a threat that can be lessened with better ventilation practices. Worn electrical wiring is another culprit. Protecting it through tough but flexible conduits is one way to lessen the dangers. Smoke detectors are also a good investment. “Rodents are a special problem with barns because they can chew through wiring,” Buchanan says.
Designed by Chester County-based architect Richard Buchanan (opposite page), Jacki Russell’s new stable has seven stalls with a spacious center aisle.
continued on page 38
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