Barb Clifford of Warren, OH was shocked two years ago when an arsonist burned down her barn. Who would set fire to a structure with animals inside of it?

Determined to overcome the tragedy, however, Clifford and her father decided to rebuild; this time with different, stronger materials.

The new barn would be built with a steel building frame and steel walls — unlike the wood-framed original buildings. Also, the new unit would have no hay loft and very little hay. Instead, only small amounts of hay are brought into the metal building when it is needed.

Moreover - according to The Youngstown Vindicator - visitors to the new structure are greeted by two large dogs who keep an eye on the property 24 hours a day.

Clifford admits a few other things changed, too.

"Visitors," she said. Strangers used to be welcome to walk up to the barn to visit with the horses without interference. Today Clifford and her nephew, Duffy Bascom, are more cautious.

The fire did not hurt their business much because the 20-stall commercial metal building is still full year-round.

"It was horrible," Clifford said of the fire. "But some good came of it."

The community showed its support for her business of 33 years by holding a benefit horse show to raise money to help with costs. In six months, the new steel building was up.

Because this one is an all-steel building, it doesn't look as much like a traditional barn as much as an indoor soccer facility or department store. Clifford its appearance has produced some friendly jabs from Bascom's friends at the Farm Bureau.

"His farm friends told him it looks like a Wal-Mart, but it would be difficult to burn," Clifford said.