Swampy Oak Farm & Stable
Challenge – Running a successful boarding facility
Solution – Hercules Truss Arch Building
Size – 72′ wide x 160′ long
Application – Indoor riding arena
When Katie and Gary McClure built a new barn on their property three years ago, they decided to open their own boarding facility. Their next step was to look into indoor riding arena options. Katie explains, “In order to have a good boarding facility, we needed to have an indoor arena.” She continues, “I also always wanted to have my own indoor arena. We are located in Northeast Ohio and we experience winter weather from November until April; I almost had to stop riding in those months.”
They compared the prices of metal, wood and fabric buildings, and discovered that fabric structures were the most economical of the three building types. Katie was also attracted to the fact that fabric structures do not require daytime artificial light. She says, “Metal and wood buildings have to be lit basically anytime you’re in the building, day or night.” They chose a 72′ wide by 160′ long ClearSpan Hercules Truss Arch Building.
The ClearSpan indoor riding arena is working out well for the McClures. As well as offering it as part of their boarding services, they are also able to rent arena time. Katie says, “Horses that have never been in an indoor arena adjust really well to it. There are no dark corners or shadows for the horses to be afraid of. The arena is very bright, which makes it very nice to ride in.” The height and openness also allow them to set up jumps without worrying about riders hitting their heads.
A true test of the durability of their ClearSpan arena is how well it withstands the weather. “We have had over 100″ of snow in the past two months and it has held up with no problems,” explains Katie. She continues, “I was quite surprised at how well it has withstood the high winds we get around here. There is no flapping or vibrating noise.” According to Katie, “The building is a joy to ride in.”
For more information on Swampy Oak Farm and Stable and their ClearSpan arena, visit www.SwampyOakFarm.com.
