Store hay in a dry, well-ventilated building away from horses, fuel, machinery and other fire risks. Only store hay once it is dry, stack it securely and leave enough space for airflow and safe access.
Keeping hay away from rain and damp helps preserve its quality for longer.
Damp can reduce the quality of hay and cause mould to grow. Mouldy or dusty hay may be unsafe for horses, especially those with breathing problems.
Damp hay can also heat up once it is stacked, creating a fire risk.
Only put hay into storage when it is dry. If you buy it from a supplier, ask about its moisture level and how it was stored. You can also use a moisture meter; make sure to take readings from several parts of the bale.
Your hay barn should keep rain away from the bales while allowing warm, damp air to escape. Keep vents and other openings clear so air can move around the stack.
Check the roof, gutters, doors and cladding regularly for leaks or damage.
The British Horse Society’s stable fire guidance recommends storing hay and straw away from stables. It also advises dividing hay into manageable stacks with enough space between them.
To reduce the risk:
If you run a business or employ staff, you must complete and record a fire risk assessment and review it regularly.
Our guide to stable safety and practical yard design covers lighting, access routes, surfaces and other everyday safety considerations.
Plan the stack before the delivery arrives.
Start with a clean, dry floor. If moisture could reach the hay from below, raise the bales on strong, stable pallets or suitable supports. Check that they are secure and free from sharp edges, and include them in your fire risk assessment.
Build a stable stack that will not lean or collapse. The right arrangement will depend on the size, shape and weight of the bales, so ask your hay supplier for advice if you are unsure.
Leave enough space to:
Do not stack hay directly against electrical fittings or roof lights. Avoid making the stack so high that it becomes unstable or leaves no safe clearance below the roof.
The British Horse Society recommends keeping hay and straw, which are combustible, separate from stables. It also advises against keeping horses, hay, straw and vehicles in the same barn.
If you plan to store hay within the stable block, ask a fire-safety professional to check the design. They can advise on access, alarms, electrics, escape routes and how to separate the hay from the horses.
Storage should form part of the wider yard plan. Our guide to choosing your ideal stable block layout explains how to plan tack rooms, hay stores and other practical facilities.
It depends on how many horses you keep, how much hay they use and how often you receive deliveries. For example, you will need less storage if you receive hay every month than if you buy your full winter supply at once.
Bale sizes and weights also vary, so measure the hay you buy before working out how much space you need.
Start with your current use:
Also consider whether you need space for straw or other bedding. Store each material separately and do not overload the building.
Allow some extra space in case you have more horses, switch to larger bales or receive fewer deliveries in the future. This will make the hay barn more useful as your needs change.
A static hay barn gives you permanent storage and can form part of the wider yard layout. It will usually need a suitable base, and you may need planning permission depending on its size, position and use.
A mobile hay barn sits on skids, so you can move it when your needs change. It might work well on rented land, a changing yard layout or a site where you do not want permanent groundworks.
However, bear in mind that skids do not automatically make a building exempt from planning permission. Your Local Planning Authority will consider how it is built, positioned and used, as well as how easily it can be moved. Our guide to planning permission for stables and mobile buildings explains the main considerations.
Chart Stables builds static and mobile timber hay barns for equestrian properties.
Our small static hay barn measures 3.6m × 3.6m and includes double doors as standard. You can also choose options such as single doors and vent grilles to suit your access and ventilation requirements.
If a permanent building does not suit your site, we can also design a mobile hay barn with skids and optional weather protection.
Every yard is different, so we can help you choose a size and layout based on your storage needs, access and available space.
Explore our small hay barn or contact the Chart Stables team to discuss your project.
How long can hay be stored?
There is no single storage limit. Hay can remain usable for months if it stays dry and well ventilated, but its quality may fall over time. Check it regularly for damp, mould, dust and unusual smells.
What should you do if stored hay feels hot?
Unusual heat or a caramel-like smell can mean that the hay is heating. Keep people and animals away. If you see smoke, notice charring or suspect a fire, leave the building and call 999. Do not move the stack yourself.
Can you install lights in a hay barn?
Yes, but a qualified electrician should install and regularly check them. Keep bales away from lights, wiring and other electrical fittings.
