EP 56: The Barn Design Process

EP 56: The Barn Design Process

Author: Helena Harris January 8, 2021 Duration: 49:32

If there was a deity to worship in the world of barn design, John Blackburn would most certainly fit the bill! John is the principal of Blackburn Architects, inarguably producing some of the world's most beautiful and practical equestrian facilities today.

With a focus on barns that can safely and elegantly serve horses of all kinds, in all disciplines, Blackburn Architects are problem solvers at heart, putting their creative engineering and design minds to work for horse owners all over the globe.

Helena sits down to talk with John in this episode to get a feel for what goes into the barn design process, and what the future looks like for both commercial and private equestrian facilities. Listen in!


Helena Harris hosts Stall and Stable: Ideas for Happy Horsekeeping, a place where the details of daily life with horses are given thoughtful attention. The premise is simple yet profound: the well-being of our horses is deeply intertwined with the spaces and routines we build. This podcast digs into that reality, moving beyond theory to share practical, real-world advice. You’ll hear from veterinarians, farriers, barn managers, and other equestrian specialists, but the conversations feel more like insightful chats between friends who are deeply passionate about animal care. They cover everything from stall design and pasture management to selecting the right tools and understanding equine behavior, always with an eye toward creating a harmonious and sustainable environment. Whether you’re a parent introducing children to their first pony, a professional running a boarding facility, or someone who finds peace in the quiet of the barn after work, there’s something here for you. Each episode of this podcast aims to make the complex aspects of horsekeeping more approachable, offering strategies and product insights that can be applied directly to your own stable. It’s about fostering a lifestyle where both horses and their people can thrive, celebrating the unique bond that makes all the hard work worthwhile. Tune in for a blend of expertise and heartfelt conversation that reflects the true rhythm of life with horses.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Stall and Stable: Ideas for Happy Horsekeeping
Podcast Episodes
EP 81: Modular Monitor Barns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:13
Time is money. This simple truth makes companies like Horizon Structures a real gem in the barn-building industry, because modular barn construction can save us both time and money. In this episode, Helena welcomes back…
EP80: Footing, Fitness, and Stifles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:22
Helena made fresh tracks with Siouxsie in the new sand ring, and so many things became clear during that ride. The change in Siouxsie's attitude, the way she feels while being ridden, the potential for developing a truly…
EP 79: It's Either Horses or Me! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:39
Living with a horse person is a unique experience, especially when you're not the kind of person who is completely obsessed with horses. Living with horses in your backyard is an equally unique experience, because horses…
EP 78: The Arena from Hell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:39
"The road to hell, they say, is paved with good intentions. Well, I say it's paved with filter sand. Lots and lots of filter sand." In this episode, Helena recounts the horror story that is her sand arena project, and sh…
EP 77: Changes at Stall and Stable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:31
"One thing I've learned in my time on this planet, is that change is constant. Whether we invite it in or it arrives as an unexpected guest, our best strategy for dealing with it is to learn how to be adaptable." In this…
EP 76: Horsekeeping on Large and Small Properties [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:00
Small farm or large, the essentials of horsekeeping are the same. Some methods we use to keep our horses happy and healthy will differ based on the way we use our horses, but the underlying principles are pretty firm, wh…
EP 75: Top Tips for Happy Horsekeeping [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:56
If you're one of the lucky horse people who finally get to bring their horses home or start that boarding business you've always dreamed about, you'll appreciate this episode. Tips and advice about horsekeeping are plent…
EP 74: Bringing Home a Mustang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:02
Have you ever thought about adopting a wild mustang? With so many programs now available to help horse lovers learn to train these wild horses, having an idea about what to expect in the first few days and weeks of bring…
EP 73: Choosing Stall Components for Your Barn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
Whether you are thinking about building a small barn or a large one, there are thousands of decisions to make along the way. When it comes to the actual components of your stalls, this is where you need to really focus o…
EP 72: Clinic Takeaways & Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:40
Now that COVID is settling into our rearview mirrors and Helena's out and about with her vaccinated self, she has some neat experiences to share with you. In the past three months, she's traveled to at least a dozen farm…