I saw this barn on FB and wanted to share… I don’t know Mulligans Run Farm at all. I just saw the photos and read the story of their barn raising.
First, know that Mulligan’s Run Farm breeds minis. So, the barn is shorter than you might want. But, the idea is very interesting and affordable!
(Can you tell that I am trying to find ways to move to Paso Robles on a budget?)
Anyway, I found this concept do-able and presentable for an ‘on a tight budget’ barn. In case you might not see the foundation piece, it is one of those shelters you see for sale in just about every town at the Hope Depot or on a lot near the Tuff Shed dealer. Usually they are marketed as carports.

You’ve seen these, right? This is the basic structure. If I was making it, I’d get the strongest design. There are a few different companies out there…
So, here you go! Please give me your comments or thoughts to improve this design. I know you all have ideas here!
Also, the original page to see the photos larger here.
THE BARN.

If you click on this image, it will take you to the original page where you can make the images even larger.

Remember, they made this barn for their minis… you could make it taller and longer for your regular sized horses.

Hi Karen: You wrote to the blogger, not the Farm. Click their link in
the article or google them.
Hi,
Nice job. I was thinking along these lines when I stumbled across your barn innovation pictures.
Could you clarify how you attached the u channels? I have been toying with a similar idea. I’m buying mine from Shelterlogic. They don’t have the connecting base piece but I can work around that.
Thank you for your post and for your time.
Karen
I would suggest investing in the heavier anchors (auger anchors). A big plus in a heavy wind. The wind goes under the roof and can lift it if not properly secured. Happened to my neighbors. Also I would go with taller legs. We recently got one for storage and went taller, just because. Underneath they are taller in the peak and at the gables but the standard leg height is only 5 feet, I believe. Check out carport.com to “build” your own. Even if you don’t use them you can get some ideas as you put it together. Good luck!
I don’t think you will need that much of a barn in Paso Robles. The weather is pretty nice, more hot than cold. The basic concept would make a good hay storage unit.
This might work in areas where there isn’t a lot of snow. The ‘rafters’ won’t be strong enough to withstand a heavy load of snow for long. Additional suppirt could be added to the frame by crafting support beams in even intervals.
Also, you wouldn’t need long legs. A top plate screwed in to the base of the roof, along with hurricane plates should be enough. You could build the walls as high or low as required after that.
Definitely go for the longer legs (height) and the biggest / widest you can. Remember they only have mini horses, so your stall sizes will need to be bigger, except in the case of the ponies.