Barns

My Breyer Barn

Homemade barn

Model horse barns are great for play or storage but some barns that can be purchased from Breyer are very expensive. I own one homemade barn, a handmade barn from a craft show, and a very unique barn that is made from storage cubes. There can be simple barns made from things like cardboard boxes, clementine boxes, shoe boxes, and popsicle sticks. There are many tutorials on how to make barns and single stalls for your models.

To make a clementine box stall you will just need the box and a small piece of felt or fleece to cover any holes in the bottom of the box. Covering these holes will make sure that the horse's legs don't get caught and broken. Cut the felt or fleece to fit the floor and then glue it down.

To make a shoebox stall, just remove the lid  if it is attached to the box. Then you can either cut one side out to make a door or you can leave it on. To make a Popsicle stick stall, just glue the popsicle sticks together until you have four walls. Then glue the walls together, making sure to  brace the walls at the top and the bottom. You can also have one in the middle.

Storage cubical barn

Making a storage cube barn is very simple. I have made a stable out of a ClosetMaid Cubicle. Laying on their side, they make four stalls. You can leave the front open or you could make a door or a gate. I have a few cups taped onto the sides and poles across the stable doors. I have two horses stored in each cube. You can use the top row of cubes for storage.

Sometimes, handmade model horse barns are available at local craft shows. I own a beautiful two stall barn that is realistic down to the vents on the sides of the barn. It has a loft, sliding doors on both sides, a paddock that pulls out, a roof, and open space over both stalls. Play is simple, and the stalls are large enough that you could keep two horses in each stall. The entire barn cost $75 and is very sturdy.

The back of my Breyer Barn

I am sure that there are crafters in your area that make barns for horses. Or you could always try making one of your own. An alternative is to buy a barn from Breyer, Amazon, or Ebay. Below are links to a few Breyer barns.

Deluxe Breyer Barn

Breyer two stall barn

Small wood breyer stall

Classic's country stable and wash stall

How to Make a Bareback Pad

Materials needed:

A saddle that will fit your horse or a pattern.

Leather

Leather lace

Wire

Marker or pen

Scissors

Needlenose pliers

A model horse.

Glue

Step 1:

Take your saddle or pattern and trace the shape onto your leather. Cut it out.

Step 2:

Set the saddle shape on your horse's back and measure some leather lace around the horse's stomach to the sides of the saddle shape. Make sure is has some slack in it. Cut it to size and then fold it in half before cutting slightly to one side. One length should be longer than the other.

Step 3:

Take your wire and put it through the middle of the needle nose pliers,leaving a small tail. Wrap it around to make a buckle. Cut the buckle off the wire and attach it to the shorter piece of leather lace with glue.

Step 4:

Attach both pieces of leather lace to the sides of the saddle shape. Buckle it on your model and make sure it fits. Have fun!

If you enjoyed making this you might enjoy my tutorial on How to Make a English Bridle.