We were also in that horse barn yesterday, but I don't have too much idea what a barn should smell like, other than horse and horse by-products.
I kind of like the smells of a horse barn.
I'd say half the horses there were saddled, but when we left there were seven horses lined up with a group ready to leave with them. The horses might have been reserved and were simply ready for their customers but I really don't know. What I would do is ask someone there why the horses are saddled and in their stalls. Maybe there is a reasonable explanation for it. Maybe they are simply keeping them out of the hot sun?
I just returned from the Philippines and the horses there would pass for deer here. I couldn't believe the one I rode up the Taal volcano held me. The poor thing!