by Nikki Alvin-Smith
Pergolas and particularly pavilions have long been associated with sport. Perhaps the most famous being Lords cricket pavilion in London. A grand affair! Why should equestrians not cash in on their use too?
As an owner of a horse farm whether for private or public use, the creation of useful outdoor spaces can add sincere value to your family, friends and clients’ experiences at your property.
Your busy barn aisleway is not the safest place to host a gathering of family, friends, students or colleagues. Horses are constantly coming and going, horses stand on crossties, hay and shaving deliveries happen, vet and farrier visits, and staff are busy mucking out stalls and sweeping up. All these activities make the barn a busy place. If you are fortunate enough to have an indoor, this area is not ideal for hosting a gathering either. The loss of use of the space for riding may not be convenient, the area may be dusty and you have to worry about what people leave behind in the footing after an event.
Think of all the occasions when a pavilion would provide the perfect site for a get together. For example: Your summer camp students arrive with their parents; you want to host a clinic and need a place to serve food for a wrap-up party; club meetings; you would like to invite your vet to give a talk on horse health for your boarders; or simply want to kick off your boots and seek a respite from the hot sun and dusty day walking the arena and enjoy a cool beverage.
With the wide variety of pavilions and pergolas available, there is a design to blend in perfectly with your existing buildings. Site preparation is straightforward and delivery is quick and easy. Leading companies in the outdoor structure market even offer easy financing, so you can enjoy the benefits of the pavilion or pergola right now.
Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, pavilions developed as both freestanding structures used for banqueting and as a place for pleasure and relaxation, and as additions to the house that were often joined to the main structure via pergolas that were laced with woody vines and pretty flowers. In today’s world, there is an uptrend in their use, as folks desire more time outdoors. Many homebuyers love the added value that a pergola or pavilion offers and it can add a lot of curbside appeal when you come to sell your property.
The range of customization that is available in size, style and design of the modern day pergola and pavilion ensure that whatever your individual needs there is an outdoor structure that will add panache to your property.
When shopping always compare ‘apples to apples’ and ask for a ‘to the penny’ quote. Take your time to select the perfect site, so that your pavilion or pergola will provide the perfect place to entertain and relax for years to come.
This article is brought to you courtesy of Horizon Structures Inc., Atglen PA – Modular horse barn and indoor riding arena specialists. Horizon Structures also offers both residential and commercial kennels, coops, multi-use structures and playsets. Please visit them in our section Barns & Stalls to learn more about Horizon Structures.
About Horizon Structures: One horse or twenty, there's one thing all horse owners have in common...the need to provide safe and secure shelter for their equine partners. At Horizon Structures, we combine expert craftsmanship, top-of-the-line materials and smart "horse-friendly" design to create a full line of sheds and barns that any horse owner can feel confident is the right choice for their horses' stabling needs.
All wood. Amish Made. Most of our buildings are shipped 100% pre-built and ready for same-day use. Larger barns are a modular construction and can be ready for your horses in less than a week. All our barn packages include everything you need -
Horizon Structures also sells indoor riding arenas, chicken coops, dog kennels, 1 and 2 car garages, storage sheds and outdoor living structures.
Headquartered in South-Central Pennsylvania, Horizon Structures, LLC is owned by Dave Zook. Dave was raised in the Amish tradition and grew up working in the family-owned shed business. He started Horizon Structures in 2001 in response to an ever-increasing customer demand for high quality, affordable horse barns.
For additional information about Horizon Structures or their product line, please look for them in our section Barns & Stalls
About Nikki Alvin-Smith: International and national published freelance writer and photographer in such world renowned publications such as The Chronicle of the Horse, Horse and Hound, Dressage and CT, Warmbloods Today, The Horseman’s Yankee Pedlar, Reiter, The Equine Journal, Spur, Hoofprints, Horsin’ Around, Horses All, Field & Stream, Western Horse and Gun, Pony Quarterly, Catskill Horse to name a few. Ghostwriting, blog services, PR/Marketing copy either direct with manufacturer or for agencies, copy editing and editor services also available. Nikki also produces catalog copy, white papers, e-books, corporate brochures and advertising copy for international corporations and PR/Marketing for celebrities.
As a Brit who has called the America home for the past 34 years, Nikki brings a unique perspective to the equestrian world. Nikki is also an accomplished Grand Prix dressage trainer/competitor, competing at international Grand Prix level to scores over 72% and is a highly sought clinician offering clinics worldwide. She has been a horse breeder/importer of warmblood and Baroque breeds for more than 25 years. Together with her husband Paul who is also a Grand Prix trainer, they run a private dressage breeding operation and training yard in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York. Please visit NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com to learn more.
This article is brought to you courtesy of Horizon Structures Inc., Atglen PA and is re-printed here with permission.
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