BarnBiz n’ Bits

Despite Mother Nature’s unpredictable weather conditions, hundreds of individuals stopped by the FCP display at the 2010 Equine Affaire!

From its whimsical weathervane to the extraordinary octagonal white-railed porch, this year’s barn presentation was no exception to FCP’s innovation and design capabilities.

Barn Biz n’ Bits would like to share with you a few letters we have received in response to this year’s exhibition:

Trade Show Kudos

“I feel compelled to write and thank you for your tremendous hard work at this year’s Equine Affaire. We have long been customers of FCP and look forward to seeing your new product. Your talent has left those of us who witnessed this year’s spectacular barn in awe and disbelief.  Your professionalism, integrity and ingenious barn building will keep you in the forefront for years to come.  Again many thanks for yet another fulfilling FCP experience.”

Al & Jean Grazier
San Diego, California

“My sincere thanks for your undivided attention at this year’s Equine Affaire.  After visiting with other manufacturers my husband and I are certain FCP is the product of choice for our upcoming barn project.  Your consummate professionalism and industry longevity has made this decision without… any doubts. We look forward to working with you in the near future.”

Lynn & William Bradley
Murrieta, California

“This letter is to thank you very much for your great hospitality at this year’s Equine Affaire.  As usual, everyone was thoroughly impressed with the incredible barn presented by FCP!”

Jennifer Tyler
Carlton Oaks, California

From the entire staff at FCP, we would like to extend our thanks to those who made the 2010 Equine Affaire a great success.

FCP, Incorporated
Dream ~ Design ~ Build

The December issue of “Barn Biz-N-Bits” is a collection of Christmas cheer filled with a bit of cinnamon for spice and the magic that comes only this time of year!

The holiday season offers us a special opportunity to extend our personal thanks to friends, colleagues and you; our most valued customers. For it is people like you who make our business such a pleasure all year long. Your projects are a source of great pride for FCP. With customers like you, we find going to work each day a rewarding experience.

“From Our Barn to Yours”

FCP wishes you a holiday season
Filled with happiness and joy,
Followed by a most wonderful New Year!

“Merry Christmas”

From FCP

FCP would like to express our thanks to the following individuals for their contributions to this edition of “Barn Biz-N-Bits”.

Rusty Calhaun: Author ~ “The Night the Animals Talked”
June Evers: Author ~ “The Original Book of Horse Treats”
KellyBelle: Author ~ “The Filly’s New Shoes”
Grandma Lola’s Skillet Cookie Recipe
Hobby Horse Clothing Company
Ivey Ranch Park Association

Simple Things You Can Do to Personalize Your Barn!

Not everyone can afford the cost of a new barn, but you can never go wrong when you cosmetically upgrade the interior and exterior of the structure. Investing in the upkeep of your barn not only improves its appearance, but the overall ambiance of your property.  It can be cost efficient, simple, and quick to do! Believe it or not, there are many things you can do on your own without the help of a professional.

First things first, you need to consider what type of upgrades your barn could use. This can range from landscaping to a new paint job to a new roof. You may want to start one project and then move on to others as time, money, and energy allow!

Take a walk around your barnyard and imagine what it would look like if you made a few minor changes. Make yourself a list in the order you feel a repair or change is needed. These projects can be a lot of fun for you and your family.

There are many things you can do to make your barn more appealing without spending thousands of dollars. To get you started, BarnBiz n’ Bits has a few ideas to help inspire the creative craftsman in you!

Exterior

Doors & Windows
Frame doors and windows for a finished look. Visit your local home center for a variety of trim and molding ideas available in both wood and vinyl material.

Window Shutters/Gable Loft Doors
Faux or functional, shutters are a low-cost item, pre-painted, easy to install and can change the appearance and style of a plain-looking facade and enhance its charm.

Cupola
Originally designed for venting barns, today’s cupola structures lend elegance to any roof line. To ornament your design, a weathervane can be added for a whimsical touch.

Painting
By simply power washing the exterior you can dramatically improve the appearance of your structure.  Paint fences for a clean new look. Contrasting colors complement doors and shutters for a unique style.

Décor Items
Based on your architecture and motif, there are many manufactured applications that lend character to your theme.

Landscape
Planting colorful flowers and mulching the trees in your barn area can add curbside appeal.  Corbelled shelves with planter boxes under windows are easy to assemble with materials purchased from your local home center. Planters made from brick or railroad ties enhance and frame walkways and entrances.

Interior

Tack Room
From a new coat of paint to the installation of pre-manufactured cabinetry, tack rooms are an equestrian’s “personal” space! A wide variety of accessories for saddle and tack organization can create an inexpensive remodel for any tack room.

Grilled Dividers
Grilled dividers and windows are the perfect solution for bringing light and air into a darkened box stall!

Flooring
From interlocking paver systems and spray-on rubber coatings to stall mats, there are options available for any budget.

Lighting
Install energy-efficient lighting fixtures to add a new glow to dimly lit areas.

Stall Fronts
Unclutter aisles by installing a blanket bar to your horse’s stall door. A singe bridle rack mounted opposite makes for easy storage of halters and leads. Add a name plate to personalize your horse’s home. Stall guards are a wonderful accessory for your horse to view the daily goings-on in your breezeway!

Porches & Arbors
With unlimited choices, porches and arbors create an expressive entrance to any barn.  Ringside viewing is a breeze with your own lattice-covered grandstand!

Want to own the “cutest” barn on the block? Call FCP now to purchase the barn that was on display at the 2009 Equine Affaire.

1-800-807-2276

For Sale: FCP's Display Barn from Equine Affaire