Blog

Blog By Nikki Alvin-Smith

Construction of an equestrian facility is no small project. The purchase of a suitable property to build the entity is just the beginning of a huge undertaking that will require a significant dedication of both dollars and diligence to detail, to accomplish the build.

What is the smart way to go about building your dream equestrian facility?

While key factors to consider include what will be built and where...

Blog By Rebecca Siggers

A number of our customers have purchased prefab Horizon Structures kennels for use as a dog boarding facility or part of a “doggie day care” center.  Others, considering entering in the pet sitting business, have come to our website or called us for information as part of the research phase of their project.

In keeping with our reputation as not only a trusted builder of outstanding prefab structures but also a reliable source of...

Blog By Nikki Alvin-Smith

Did you know that goats hate to get wet? Indigenous to dry, arid areas of the world, the goat has no innate love of water so providing shelter from rain and snow is a kindness they will much appreciate and use.

Housing goats at night is also important to protect them from predators, most notably the coyote, though there exists a multitude of offenders.

A securely fenced area is also imperative during the day, as neighborhood dogs that are allowed to roam free can also attack goats. 

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"Paws for Thought" From Horizon Structures Kennel Conundrum Newsletter

Blog By Nikki Alvin-Smith

It's sad to say but lost revenue as a side effect of the Corona virus is an issue for many dog boarders. The Covid-19 crisis is affecting everyone, and kennel owners are no different. Businesses struggle to fill their kennels as patrons stay home and limit vacation and travel. The unfortunate result is boarding kennels dealing with diminished need for their services.

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Blog By Nikki Alvin-Smith

The joy that a horse innately brings to people is truly a gift worth giving. At just 32 inches high at his wither, mini therapy horse Dominique may be small in stature, but the amount of pleasure he brings to folks is HUGE

Everyone deserves love and happiness in their lives, especially folks that are suffering distress, trauma, loneliness and pain. The calm and gentle presence of this sweet miniature horse wins the hearts of all he...

Blog By Nikki Alvin-Smith

Horse barn designs vary greatly but one thing they all have in common is the need to be functional and safe for both horses and their handlers.

Horses have a habit of hurting themselves even with the most carefully planned and constructed environments for their care but if you start out with flawed design in your horse barn you are substantially increasing the chances of spending more money on the vet than you might have...

Blog By Nikki Alvin-Smith

The verdict is in. The latest in timber frame horse barn design, that utilizes the beauty of traditional carpentry technique of mortise and tenon joinery made with artisan talent combined with the affordability of modular design, is hotter than the century-hitting temperatures this country has experienced this summer.

It is the ‘fairest of them all,’ when it comes to horse barn style and design. Wood fashioned in its ultimate spectacle that reflects the beauty of nature at every turn. There is a certain magical appeal of...

Blog By Nikki Alvin-Smith

Throughout this Covid19 pandemic social media postings from horses owners who proudly announced that isolation and quarantine procedures were nothing new to them were prevalent. 

Commercial horse farm owners and managers dread the introduction of transmittable diseases such as Strangles, Equine Influenza, Eastern Equine Encephalitis or the Equine Herpes Virus, which can infect horses at their facilities and shut down their businesses. Bio-security concerns should be a factor in the design and operation of all horse farms.

Blog By Nikki Alvin-Smith

Many property owners with extra acreage are tempted to make their own hay by knocking down a grass meadow and baling it up for either their own horses and/or to sell.

For horse owners it is wise to know what is growing before you mow. There are an extensive number of nefarious herbs and weeds that can harm horses.  Some plants and weeds may be harmless for...