Clay Nelson

Sustainable Stables is a NATIONWIDE Leader in Equestrian Planning and Design!

Designing horse property and want a nationwide leader in sustainable equestrian planning?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated May 2026

Sustainable Stables equestrian property design 3D site plan in Austin, Texas

Clay Nelson

Horse Property Design by Sustainable Stables
Sustainable Stables is a Nationwide Leader in Equestrian Planning and Design!

About Clay Nelson, and His Team
Clay Nelson, founder of Sustainable Stables, calls Austin, Texas home. He established the company in 2008 to merge his professional background with his passion for rural land, farms, and horses. Clay’s earlier career included work as a soils chemist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and as a project manager for an engineering firm specializing in environmental due diligence, land and property assessments, and septic system design. Ross Cram, co-leader of Sustainable Stables, lives in central Maine with his wife, dogs, and two horses. With a background in residential home construction, Ross brings deep knowledge of building design and practical construction details. Together, they have applied their complementary skills to the planning and design of hundreds of equestrian properties—from the Texas hill country to projects throughout the United States, and even facilities as far away as Panama and Australia—helping horse owners create functional, sustainable barns and equestrian facilities.

Who is Sustainable Stables?

Sustainable Stables is a nationally recognized leader in equestrian facility planning and horse barn design. Based in Texas but serving horse owners nationwide, they understand that great design doesn’t start and stop with the barn itself. Equally important is how the barn integrates with the landscape, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainable land stewardship. Whether you’re building a backyard barn, planning a professional equestrian center, or upgrading existing facilities, Sustainable Stables has the expertise to deliver designs that put horse well-being at the forefront—while giving thoughtful attention to the needs of the people who care for them.

Why Is Professional Planning So Important?

Horses thrive in environments designed with their safety, comfort and natural behaviors in mind. Careful planning ensures barns, arenas, pastures, and support structures flow together in a way that improves horse welfare, streamlines chores, and maximizes property value. Professional planning can also pay for itself. Beyond avoiding costly errors, Sustainable Stables clients gain access to discounted pricing on stall hardware, barn supplies, fencing, and more—savings that often exceed consulting fees. The result: healthier horses, smarter layouts, and facilities that cost-effectively bring your vision to life.

What Makes Sustainable Stables The Right Choice For Me?

Sustainable Stableshas planned and designed hundreds of equestrian properties, from small, budget-minded backyard barns to large professional equestrian centers. They bring this experience to bear on each and every project, while recognizing that each property has its own unique conditions, goals, and challenges. Common to all projects are the same core principles: designs that promote horse health and well-being, respect client budgets, and promote good land stewardship. The result is a property that is not only beautiful and functional, but also sustainable, efficient, and tailored to the needs of both horses and their owners.

Can They Design My Horse Barn?

YES! Sustainable Stables can absolutely design your barn. They offer two pathways: fully custom barn design tailored to your vision, or one of their thoughtfully developed stock barn plans that can be further customized to fit your needs. Whether you’re interested in a traditional center-aisle barn, a functional shed-row, or a non-traditional design focused on group housing of one or multiple herds, Sustainable Stables can create a plan that works seamlessly for your property.

Does Sustainable Stables Go Beyond Just "Design" ?

YES! Their expertise doesn’t end with design. Sustainable Stables also assists clients with bringing the design to life—helping with contractor selection, budgeting, and sourcing high-quality barn materials and supplies. The result is not just a set of plans, but a complete process that makes building your barn smoother, smarter, and more cost-effective from start to finish.

Can They Help Me Select A Property - If I Don’t Have One?

Absolutely. Selecting the right property is one of the most important steps in realizing your dream equestrian facility. Sustainable Stables offers equestrian property pre-purchase consultations to help clients make smart, informed decisions before they buy (or close on) a property. The process begins with a clear understanding of your vision and goals.

From there, Clay and his team evaluate each property’s layout and environmental features—including soil quality, water availability, and site topography—while also researching development rules, zoning, and restrictions that could affect your plans. This detailed analysis helps identify both opportunities and potential challenges, giving you a realistic picture of what a property can support. By partnering with Sustainable Stables, you can avoid costly surprises, compare multiple options with confidence, and invest in land that best matches your long-term equestrian needs.

Can They Work With My Existing Property?

This approach is especially valuable for owners who want to enhance what they already have rather than starting over from scratch. With Sustainable Stables, even an existing property can be transformed into a safer, healthier, and more functional home for horses and people alik e.

Does Sustainable Stables Work Nationwide?

Sustainable Stables works with clients nationwide. While based in Texas (with a satellite office in Maine), they have planned and designed hundreds of equestrian properties across the United States and internationally. Their experience spans every type of setting, from the humid South to the snowy North to more temperate coastal regions. This breadth of experience allows them to adapt each design to local climates, soils, terrain and building requirements. Many projects include one or more site visits, but Sustainable Stables is equally experienced working remotely when travel is not practical.

The result is a facility that not only looks beautiful, but functions reliably wherever you and your horses call home.

What Kinds Of Clients Can Benefit?

Horse owners of every scale and budget can benefit from Sustainable Stables’ expertise, especially those who want facilities designed around their horses’ natural needs while also being practical for daily use. They work with private owners who want a small, chore-efficient property for personal enjoyment, as well as large equestrian businesses building barns, arenas, or full training centers. Their clients include competitive riders, breeders, trainers, and horse lovers who simply want the best care for their animals. No matter the size or scope, Sustainable Stables brings the same level of professionalism and horse-first planning to every project. The result is a facility that is safe, efficient, and tailored to both your goals and your horses’ well-being.

Can They Help Me With Supplies Such as Stalls, Fencing, Flooring, and Mud Control?

Yes! Through long-standing relationships with industry-leading suppliers—and a range ofStable Suppliesthey sell directly—Sustainable Stables helps clients source high-quality products for their farms. This includes stalls, fencing, flooring, composting systems, and mud-control solutions that keep facilities safe, efficient, and easy to maintain. Think of them as your personal concierge, saving you both time and money in the process. Planning and design clients receive special access to discount pricing, often saving significantly on essential materials.

By combining design expertise with supplier partnerships, Sustainable Stables ensures clients not only build smarter equestrian facilities, but also outfit them with the right products at the best possible value.

Contact Sustainable Stables and Talk to Clay Today!
We would love to hear from you! Sustainable Stables is committed to helping horse owners create facilities that are safe, sustainable, and designed with horse well-being at the forefront. With expertise in every aspect of equestrian property planning and design—from evaluating soils and drainage to better barn design to sourcing supplies—they provide a comprehensive approach that ensures project success. The result is a barn and property that are easier to manage, more enjoyable to use, and built to support healthier, happier horses for years to come.

If you’re ready to make the most of your horse property—whether you’re searching for the right property, ready to start the planning and design of your property, or looking to make upgrades—Sustainable Stables has the experience and passion to bring your vision to life. Contact Clay today!

What does Sustainable Stables actually design?

Sustainable Stables is a boutique equestrian planning and design firm that develops complete horse properties from the ground up, integrating barns, indoor and outdoor arenas, pastures, paddocks, hay and equipment storage, and supporting infrastructure into one cohesive site plan. The firm has guided hundreds of clients on properties ranging from one-acre hobby farms to 1,200-acre commercial ranches, and its work spans 23-plus states and international sites including a private equestrian estate in Pedasi, Panama. Every plan is built around three priorities Clay Nelson repeats throughout the company's work: efficiency, sustainability, and horse health.

Sustainable Stables custom horse barn photo-realistic 3D rendering

Who is Clay Nelson?

Clay Nelson, founder of Sustainable Stables, calls Austin, Texas home and established the company in 2008 to merge his scientific background with his lifelong passion for rural land, farms, and horses. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Dartmouth College and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University's Nicholas School, where he focused on environmental health, chemical fate and transport, and resource conservation. With more than 20 years of combined experience in conservation, land-use planning, and research, including earlier work as a staff scientist conducting environmental due diligence, soil and groundwater testing, and remediation, he brings a rare science-first lens to barn and pasture design.

Sustainable Stables master site plan layout for an equestrian property

How does the 3D design process work?

Sustainable Stables follows a three-phase approach that begins with information gathering, reviewing surveys, soil data, topography, climate information, and county records while learning the client's vision. From there the team develops a master site plan showing the proposed location and footprint of every equestrian improvement, then delivers customized output that ranges from basic 2D layouts to highly detailed 3D site-plan renderings. Using state-of-the-art 3D modeling and photo-realistic rendering software, the firm goes far beyond basic black-and-white line drawings so owners can truly visualize the look and layout of their barn and surrounding spaces before a single post goes in the ground.

Sustainable Stables 3D barn and arena planning visualization

What makes the designs healthier for horses?

Clay's environmental-health training shapes a site-focused philosophy dedicated to creating beautiful, functional, and environmentally-friendly equestrian properties. Stock barn concepts are built around horse health and flexibility, including natural group-housing layouts and equicentral-inspired plans like the one used at Lazy Bear Farm in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The firm also offers pasture, manure, and land-management consulting plus drone mapping that produces ultra-high-resolution 2D and 3D property maps, so drainage, footing, and rotational grazing are engineered in from day one rather than patched later.

Who is the right client for Sustainable Stables?

The portfolio shows the breadth of fit: private custom barns with attached indoor arenas in Michigan, the Remington Run project in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Wild Blessings Ranch in Grand Haven, Michigan, alongside mission-driven facilities such as Hope Reins in Raleigh and Bright Side Youth Ranch in York, South Carolina, both therapeutic equestrian non-profits. Whether you are buying raw land, replacing an aging barn, or scaling a professional training operation, the firm can step in at any stage, even offering horse-property pre-purchase consultations before you close. A la carte modeling and rendering services let clients buy only the piece of the process they need.

How do you buy supplies and get started?

Beyond design, Sustainable Stables acts as a personal farm-supply concierge, sourcing stalls, fencing, barn flooring, mud-control products, and footing through manufacturer relationships, and planning and design clients receive discounts on those products. To begin a project, contact Clay Nelson directly at or, or visit www.SustainableStables.com to explore the planning, design, and supply pages. The company operates as Clay Nelson Enterprises LLC, doing business as Sustainable Stables, out of Austin, Texas.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

Why Is Professional Planning So Important?

Hiring an experienced professional to assist with the planning and design of your horse property can mean the difference between a facility that works as envisioned and one that becomes a source of daily frustration. Many horse owners especially those new to equestrian property design think the DIY route will save them money, only to face costly mistakes that could have been avoided: barns that flood, arenas that won t drain, or layouts that waste time and labor. Horses thrive in environments designed with their safety, comfort and natural behaviors in mind . Careful planning ensures barns, arenas, pastures, and support structures flow together in a way that improves horse welfare, streamlines chores, and maximizes property value. Professional planning can also pay for itself. Beyond avoiding costly errors, Sustainable Stables clients gain access to discounted pricing on stall hardware, barn supplies, fencing, and more savings that often exceed consulting fees. The result: healthier horses, smarter layouts, and facilities that cost-effectively bring your vision to life.

Can They Design My Horse Barn?

YES! Sustainable Stables can absolutely design your barn. They offer two pathways: fully custom barn design tailored to your vision, or one of their thoughtfully developed stock barn plans that can be further customized to fit your needs. Whether you re interested in a traditional center-aisle barn, a functional shed-row, or a non-traditional design focused on group housing of one or multiple herds, Sustainable Stables can create a plan that works seamlessly for your property. Does Sustainable Stables Go BEYOND Just Design ? YES! Their expertise doesn t end with design. Sustainable Stables also assists clients with bringing the design to life helping with contractor selection, budgeting, and sourcing high-quality barn materials and supplies. The result is not just a set of plans, but a complete process that makes building your barn smoother, smarter, and more cost-effective from start to finish.

Can They Help Me Select A Property - If I Don t Have One?

Absolutely. Selecting the right property is one of the most important steps in realizing your dream equestrian facility. Sustainable Stables offers equestrian property pre-purchase consultations to help clients make smart, informed decisions before they buy (or close on) a property. The process begins with a clear understanding of your vision and goals. From there, Clay and his team evaluate each property s layout and environmental features including soil quality, water availability, and site topography while also researching development rules, zoning, and restrictions that could affect your plans. This detailed analysis helps identify both opportunities and potential challenges, giving you a realistic picture of what a property can support. By partnering with Sustainable Stables, you can avoid costly surprises, compare multiple options with confidence, and invest in land that best matches your long-term equestrian needs.

Can They Work With My Existing Property?

Yes. Many horse owners already have a barn, arena, or other facilities but want to improve their layout, safety, or efficiency. Sustainable Stables is equally at home evaluating existing properties to identify areas for improvement and provide practical, cost-effective solutions. Their team can create a s tep-by-step plan to modernize or expand facilities, addressing everything from safer stall design and improved ventilation to reducing mud and soil erosion around the farm, improving overall facility safety and functionaility. This approach is especially valuable for owners who want to enhance what they already have rather than starting over from scratch. With Sustainable Stables, even an existing property can be transformed into a safer, healthier, and more functional home for horses and people alik e.

What is Sustainable Stables?

Sustainable Stables is a boutique equestrian property planning and design firm founded by Clay Nelson and based in Austin, Texas. It specializes in equestrian property master planning, custom horse barn and facility design, and farm and ranch product supply. The firm's mission is helping clients create and manage beautiful, functional, and environmentally-friendly equestrian properties.

Who is Clay Nelson and what are his credentials?

Clay Nelson is the founder of Sustainable Stables, which he established in 2008. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Dartmouth College and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University's Nicholas School, where he focused on environmental health, chemical fate and transport, and resource conservation. He has more than 20 years of combined experience in conservation, land-use planning, and research, including earlier work as a staff scientist performing environmental due diligence, soil and groundwater testing, and remediation.

Where is Sustainable Stables located and what areas does it serve?

Sustainable Stables is headquartered in Austin, Texas, operating as Clay Nelson Enterprises LLC (D.B.A. Sustainable Stables). Despite being Austin-based, the firm works nationwide and has completed projects across more than 23 states, plus international work such as a private equestrian estate in Pedasi, Panama. Projects have ranged from one-acre hobby farms to ranches as large as 1,200 acres.

How does Sustainable Stables' design process work?

The process follows three phases. First is information gathering, where the team reviews surveys, soil data, topography, climate information, and county records while learning the client's goals. Second is master site plan development, showing the proposed location and footprint of barns, arenas, pastures, and other improvements, typically with initial 3D models. Third is custom deliverables, which can range from basic 2D layouts to highly detailed 3D site-plan renderings.

What is included in a master site plan?

A master site plan determines the ideal location and layout for equestrian-related improvements, including barns, arenas, pastures and paddocks, and equipment and hay storage. It accounts for site realities like soil, topography, drainage, and climate so the property functions efficiently from day one. The plan serves as a clear, adaptable vision that can be phased and built out over time.

Does Sustainable Stables use 3D modeling and renderings?

Yes. The firm uses state-of-the-art 3D modeling and photo-realistic rendering software that goes well beyond basic black-and-white line drawings. This gives owners a superior visualization of the look and layout of their barn and related equestrian spaces before construction begins. A la carte 3D modeling and rendering services are also available for clients who only need that piece.

What types of barns and facilities does Sustainable Stables design?

The firm designs custom horse barns, attached and standalone indoor riding arenas, open-air gable barns, and full property layouts. It also offers stock, pre-designed barn concepts that can be customized, including natural group-housing layouts. Designs emphasize horse health and flexibility, drawing on equicentral-inspired planning where appropriate.

What is the design philosophy at Sustainable Stables?

The philosophy centers on three priorities: efficiency, sustainability, and horse health. Clay Nelson's environmental-health and conservation background informs a site-focused approach that integrates barns, pastures, and infrastructure responsibly. The firm is dedicated to creating equestrian properties that are beautiful, functional, and environmentally-friendly.

Does Sustainable Stables sell farm and ranch supplies?

Yes. Beyond design, the firm acts as a personal farm-supply concierge, sourcing products such as stalls, fencing, barn flooring, footing, and mud-control products through manufacturer relationships. Clients receive expert product opinions and competitive pricing. Planning and design clients also receive discounts on supplies.

What additional services does Sustainable Stables offer?

In addition to planning and design, the firm provides horse-property pre-purchase consultations, drone mapping that produces ultra-high-resolution 2D and 3D property maps, and pasture, manure, and land-management consulting. A la carte modeling and rendering services are available as standalone offerings. These services let clients engage the firm at whatever stage their project is in.

Can Sustainable Stables help before I buy a property?

Yes. The firm offers horse-property pre-purchase consultations, which can help you evaluate land before you close on it. Combined with drone mapping and review of soil, topography, and county records, this helps buyers understand a parcel's suitability for barns, arenas, drainage, and grazing. It can prevent costly surprises after purchase.

What kinds of clients has Sustainable Stables worked with?

The portfolio includes private custom barns with attached arenas in Michigan, the Remington Run project in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Wild Blessings Ranch in Grand Haven, Michigan, and Lazy Bear Farm in Hillsborough, North Carolina. It also includes mission-driven non-profits such as Hope Reins in Raleigh and Bright Side Youth Ranch in York, South Carolina, both therapeutic equestrian programs. The firm has helped hundreds of clients improve or build their horse properties.

Does Sustainable Stables work on therapeutic and non-profit equestrian facilities?

Yes. The portfolio features therapeutic equestrian non-profits including Hope Reins of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Bright Side Youth Ranch in York, South Carolina. These projects show the firm's experience designing facilities for equine-assisted programs as well as private and commercial clients. Clay Nelson has also presented on how to find funding and grants to help a horse business go green.

How big are the projects Sustainable Stables takes on?

Projects range from small-acreage hobby farms of about one acre to large professional and commercial facilities up to roughly 1,200 acres. The firm scales its planning and design to fit the property and the client's goals. Whether it's a single private barn or a large ranch, the same site-focused, sustainability-minded process applies.

How is Sustainable Stables focused on sustainability and the environment?

Sustainability is built into the firm's name and mission. Clay Nelson's training in environmental health and resource conservation informs designs that manage drainage, manure, pasture rotation, and mud control responsibly. The firm sources products designed with sustainability and long-term value in mind and consults on environmentally-sensitive horse-keeping practices.

How do I contact Sustainable Stables to start a project?

You can reach founder Clay Nelson directly by phone at 919-597-9667 or by email at [email protected]. The website, www.SustainableStables.com, has dedicated planning, design, supply, and projects pages plus a client design board. The business operates as Clay Nelson Enterprises LLC, doing business as Sustainable Stables, from Austin, Texas.

Can I buy only part of the service, like just a rendering?

Yes. Sustainable Stables offers a la carte 3D modeling and rendering services as well as standalone consultations, so you don't have to commission a full master plan to benefit from the firm's expertise. Deliverables can range from a basic 2D layout to a highly detailed 3D site-plan rendering depending on your needs and budget. This flexibility makes the firm accessible whether you need full design or a single piece of the puzzle.