|
Cover-All - Building An Equestrian Dream
 |
When Ingrid Lang decided to build her own world-class equine  facility after 25 years traveling
the world and training in dressage, she had a clear vision of what she needed and wanted to
accomplish. Lang wanted to create the ultimate training environment for horse and rider, but at the same time, a facility that was functional.
Lang decided Cover-All buildings were the solution for her equine facility dream. "After seeing hundreds of different riding facilities and talking with thousands of owners and trainers, you can't
help but formulate your own idea of what works best for a training facility. I knew finding the right structure was the crucial first step," says Lang.
The result of Lang's vision led to the expansion of Oakhill Farms in Lockport, Illinois which
includes a riding arena, stable and a connecting breezeway, all housed in three Cover-All buildings. Cover-All buildings are fabric
-covered, steel-framed buildings that are ideal for equestrian applications. The clear-span space is optimal for a training arena and flexible stable layout.
The building's natural light, which is made possible by the buildings' unique fabric, is what initially sold Lang. "Encasing the natural
outdoor environment indoors was what really excited me about a Cover-All building. On a night with a full moon, I require little or
no artificial lights at all to check my horses," says Lang. She has also noticed a difference in grooming her horses that are now in the
Cover-All stable versus her other stables. Her horses are shedding less hair which she attributes to the natural light.
 Lang worked with local Cover-All Dealer, Friedman Distributing, to ensure her dream was
achieved. "Ingrid has done a tremendous job finishing her buildings," says Dan Friedman, Friedman Distributing owner and operator. "She definitely had a vision throughout the entire
process and I believe she will enjoy her facility for years to come."
Oakhill Farms is now the site of four annual dressage clinics with trainers attending from around
the world including New Zealand, Germany and the United States.aisle is ideal for grooming horses and moving
"The response that visitors have when walking into my facility is wow! Guests call my facility the Ritz Carleton."
Ingrid Lang Oakhill Farms, Inc. Lockport, Illinois
Building Highlights
Riding Arena - 72' x 200'
o Twenty three 2 x 3 foot windows were installed along the sides of the building for added ventilation and aesthetics
o Angled kickboards were installed inside the building and run along the sides of the arena to keep horse and rider a safe distance from the walls
o 12 x 14 foot custom gates are at the end of the arena and the entrance of the stables
o A viewing and presentation area for spectators and training was also added
Stable - 62' x 130'
o Ten 10 x 12 foot stalls were constructed out of knotted pine
o An oak tack box was added to each stall which is positioned 2 feet off the ground for ease of maintenance
o Radiant heating in the floor comfortably warms the stalls, tack room, washroom, utility rooms, sleeping quarters, office and lounge area
o A 12 foot aisle provides plenty of room to groom horses and maneuver equipment
Connecting Breezeway - 32' x 30'
o The breezeway connects the arena to the stables, which is an added comfort so riders and horses don't have to experience the frigid Illinois winters
|
