Designing Horse-Friendly Home Exteriors: Blending Functionality and Style

So, you are thinking about bringing home a horse? It could be a good idea, but you need to be prepared. Horses are big animals and require a lot of care and free space. So, before bringing home a horse, you have to make sure the animal will have a happy, healthy life.

Since horses live outdoors, start by focussing on the exterior and yard. Most people don’t realize how many things that we need to take care of before bringing home a horse. From secure fencing to specific colors, plus removing some things just because horses can fall and trip on them.

It’s work, yes, but if you truly love equine company, it wouldn’t be a burden. So, where do we start?

Essentials for Horse-Friendly Design

Let’s start with the basics. Horses need space. No one wants to squeeze their 1,200-pound friend into a narrow corner or unsafe area. Think about adding adequate pasture space and wide paths for movement. Horses are herd animals and they thrive when they have room to roam.

Here’s something you probably didn’t know: According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, each horse typically requires around 1.5 to 2 acres of good land actively growing for adequate grazing. If you’re short on land, there are ways to optimize the space you’ve got. Consider incorporating multi-use areas, where you can have spaces that blend yard and pasture, providing room for both you and your horses to enjoy.

Pro Tip: Horses are sensitive to sharp or abrupt angles in spaces. Try keeping the layout of your exterior smooth and open. Nothing screams “I love my horse!” like creating a stress-free zone.

Don’t Forget About Fencing

No discussion about a horse-friendly home exterior is complete without talking about fencing. Yeah, fencing might not sound glamorous, but when you realize how much it can enhance your home’s look, you’ll be more interested. Function-wise, you need strong, safe fences. Horses are notorious escape artists and flimsy fences just won’t cut it.

Go for wood or PVC fencing for a rustic vibe that blends with modern exteriors. And if you’re into the whole eco-conscious trend, recycled materials could be your best friend—both safe and environmentally friendly. Horses are generally more comfortable with at least 4-foot tall fences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests using rounded or smooth fences to avoid accidents.

Here’s a fun idea: Add solar-powered lanterns to the fence posts. Solar lights are a huge trend right now, and not only will they light up your pasture at night, but they’ll also save on electricity bills. Plus, the green vibes—both literal and ecological—are on point for 2024.

The Importance of Shelter

Obviously, your horse needs shelter, which can also elevate your home exterior. But don’t even think about those boring barns. Instead, try to go with a multi-functional structure, that can also act as a shelter for your horse and outdoor living space for you.

Possibly put a TV there if you want to watch a horse race, but make sure you check out TwinSpires to find the best bets. Also, don’t let your horse watch TV or even see horses running around the track, it might freak out. On top of that, they blend with your house exterior, especially if you make the shelter from the same materials.

You can also consider building open-air run-in sheds that match the rest of your property. These allow your horses to come and go as they please while maintaining a cohesive look.

Drainage and Footing

Nothing screams “bad design” like a muddy, swampy mess where your horse is supposed to be relaxing. Drainage is key.

Gravel footpaths or permeable pavers help with runoff, and they eliminate those deep mud pits that horses—and their hooves—detest. Good drainage systems can make all the difference in your horse’s comfort. According to the National Research Council, proper footing is essential not just for the health of your horse, but for maintaining the longevity of your home’s landscaping.

I’d say that you should avoid concrete floors, especially in places where your horse spends most of the time. Concrete is tough on their feet and legs, so choose something that absorbs the impact more like sand, wood shavings, and even natural rubber mats.

Should We Forget About Style?

Okay, now let’s talk style. You’ve got the functionality part down, but how do you make your horse-friendly exterior look incredible? Well, one big trend is going green—literally. Shades of green exteriors are all the rage in 2024, especially those muted green tones that border on gray. These blend beautifully with nature and your surroundings​.

If you want to make your exterior modern, try the latest equestrian trend of mixing materials. People are mixing textures (pairing wood and cement or brick) which gives you that dynamic and cozy feel to your house or even stability. No house is finished without an outdoor fireplace, especially if you have a big yard.

Is Your Garage Horse-Friendly?

If you’re really committed to a horse-friendly home, you could even extend the design to your garage. Adding unique garage doors that have a touch of equestrian flair is something we’re seeing more of. Garage doors can be both functional for storage (hay, saddles, etc.) and stylish. Bold, textured doors, even with a slight ranch-style twist, can tie everything together​.