The Barndominium Buzz At Equine Affaire
By Nikki Alvin-Smith
If you’ve ever thought about taking your love affair with horses to the next level by living in a Barndo then you’re going to love the upcoming 2024 Equine Affaire showcase November 7-10th. Here’s the scoop!
Horizon Structures is literally ‘bringing the house down’ to the event.
The brand-new product line at leading modular horse barn company Horizon Structures is perhaps unsurprisingly a stellar line of different size and style Barndominiums. As many horse owners know the company has long been a sponsor at the Equine Affaire, held in West Springfield, MA and as the barn sponsor has also always exhibited barns and run-in sheds, sometimes kennels and cottage greenhouses. These buildings are generally on offer at the show for sale and are also on discount (and can be purchased beforehand) with immediate delivery available within a certain radius of the showgrounds following the show.
This year Horizon Structures will be showcasing a Monitor style barndominium, giving prospective buyers and amazing opportunity to enjoy an in-person walk through of the latest products to hit the horse market in stylish horse farm living.
Cast aside any notion that a romantic lifestyle choice that centers around all things horse cannot be achieved in short order. It truly couldn’t be easier to develop those open fields you’ve dreamed about buying to set up your own horse haven.
Modern building methods mean a lot of the issues that used to come with living with horses, literally, are a thing of the past. All structures are factory built and engineered to the highest standards and easily implemented into any horse property design and offer completely separate living spaces for horse and human contingent eliminating any possible concerns about crossover between the respective living areas of noise, odor, or even insects/vermin.
As you might imagine this product line of four highly-functional and chic Barndominium designs has caused a buzz of excitement in the equestrian world.
The Horizon Structures Barndominium structures on offer in their product line-up range from 912 to 1824 square feet. The impressively short timeline, just 6-8 months from order date to on-site delivery and set up depending on approvals, makes the Barndo a smart choice for folks on the move, developing a new property or renovating or extending an established one. Available nationwide (with the exception of California), clients can choose from a wide array of color choices with a possibility of custom color considerations too.
The portability of a structure the size of a Barndominium is a testament to the high-level of experience the Horizon Structures team has in the modular construction industry. Remarkably, the Equine Affaire exhibit, will be set up in a matter of just 2/3 days. And its presence at the event will certainly cause a stir.
If you can’t make the show then you also have a fabulous opportunity to experience the Barndo layout and lifestyle with this video tour hosted by Justin Zook here.
The upstairs/downstairs lifestyle of living with horses is nothing new, and of course there are best ways to do it and design it. Here are some expert tips on Barndo living that are well worth the short read.
As if all this excitement isn’t enough, the company will be bringing down a barn to the Equine Affaire too. This year’s special deal offering is a lovely 10’ x 34’ shedrow design with a 10’ overhang, 2 10’ x 12 stalls and a useful 10’x 10’ tack room.
It is available for purchase in advance of the show. Included with this delightful barn are many features that every horse owner will appreciate, from Dutch doors on the front and the back of the barn to a pretty copper cupola and electrical package. But get in early if you are interested because these deals tend to move fast, even if not quite as instantly as these modular barns appear on the property.
After the pandemic and lack of attendees as a result the Equine Affaire event did take a few years to fully recover its audience. But last year saw a return to high numbers of attendees at the show and vendor numbers also increased, offering visitors more than the loyal backbone of vendor support that have been long term sponsors and advocates for the event and were responsible for keeping it going through those difficult years. So if you are planning to attend, it’s a good idea to book your tickets early. The evening Fantasia Show is extremely popular.
Catskill Horse is also proud to mention that one of our own Merry Band at the Catskill Horse writers, Bethany Videto, will be at the show. Bethany has filled many volunteer roles at the event over the years. In recent years she has been a show announcer, beforehand working the ingate at the Fantasia show, helping organize the horses and get folks in and out of the arena and in 2024 expect to meet her helping clinicians get their equipment to and from their locations. So if you see her around do say Hi!
The Equine Affaire has always been strong on providing educational experiences, and alongside consigned tack and equipment and horses for sale, there is still time to get in and sign up for a chance to ride and participate directly in the show with one of the many renowned clinicians. Whether you are interested in participating with Rebecca Platz working a mini obstacle course or would like to try your hands driving a draft horse, there is something at the event for folks of all ages and equine interests. You can buy horses at the show, (there’s also a meet and greet of horses available for adoption), compete or take simply sit back and enjoy an authentic stagecoach ride.
At the Horizon Structures exhibit there is sure to be a crowd, and the friendly face of Brad Zeigler will be there to head up their team to greet you and answer any questions.
And wait there is more! Horizon Structures are also planning to run their very popular major give-back to the horse community event, their Run-In Shed Contest concurrently over November. So there may also be an opportunity to stop in at their Equine Affaire exhibit and sign up to participate for your chance to win a FREE run-in shed. Stay tuned! We’ll be announcing it right here at Catskill Horse magazine too and providing all the entry info.
