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Nestled in Montana’s rugged beauty, this private barn at Seeley Lake combines craftsmanship with thoughtful design, offering a haven of comfort and safety for horses and caretakers alike.
September marks the beginning of autumn. It is the perfect time to start your preparations for winter.
The days are usually cooler. There are less insects in the area or died off. In short, the fall time makes the perfect conditions for getting the horse barn ready for use over the winter. A simple, yet thorough inspection of your horse barn can help you keep your barn safe this winter.
As we transition from Summer into Fall, here are 5 ways to get your barn ready for colder days ahead:
We all know that the Summer season brings plenty of moisture-related issues into the barn. Clean horse stall equipment goes a long way in any season, but it is even more important to thoroughly clean in preparation for the winter.
We recommend to remove bedding from the summer and early fall. Use agricultural lime or stall drying products to dry up any wet spots. Clean and remove all dangerous cobwebs, debris, and general clutter. Double check all electrical appliances (i.e. fans, heaters, etc) of any flammable buildup.
As we transition from hot weather, make sure to identify and clean your horse's lightweight sheet. As temperatures drop through September, we recommend to be mindful about your horses' blanketing needs. There might be some nights where your horses may require light blanketing. As we get into October and November, it is important to ensure that your heavy blankets are cleaned and ready to go. This way, winter will not sneak up on you.
Lastly, one of the best ways to organize your blankets in the barn are through high-quality blanket bars. A well made blanket bar will have enough space between the horse stall and the blanket bar. This space will allow space for your lightweight blankets and heavy blankets to dry.
Blanket Bars for Horse Stalls available in 1.3" radius and 1.9" radius
No matter the age of your horse barn, we recommend to schedule inspections on your wiring and electrical outlets. A thorough inspection includes the clearing of dust, debris, and cobwebs. Replace any blown bulbs and check wires for fraying. We also recommend to have your HVAC system inspected if your barn has a system.
Lastly, also recommend to outfit your barn with battery-powered (or solar powered) flashlights to provide safe access to your barn during power outages. Please note that all outlets or frayed wiring should be immediately repaired by a licensed professional.
Chilly fall evenings are often a cue for rodents to look for extra food. Before you know, a horse barn’s feed room can be an ideal outlet for rodents. For this reason, we recommend to clean up your feed room to help reduce the risk of rodents and insects. Sweep up spilled feed that will attract your unwanted guest.
Inspect your storage containers to make sure the lids seal tight. We recommend metal trash cans or metal bins instead of plastic bins that can be chewed through by rodents. Lastly, if you store hay in your feed room, use pallets that allow for better air circulation.
Ventilation is essential for a horse’s overall health and specifically lung health. However, large drafts can be dangerous in temperature regulation. For older barns, we recommend that your barn structure. This means to check Barn End Doors and Barn Windows to cover any holes that let in too much air. Replace any broken Barn Doors, Barn Windows, Dutch Doors, or faulty door latches.
Dutch Doors by American Stalls
That being said, please remember that airflow is still critical in any barn even during winter months. Good ventilation can help reduce respiratory ailments among your horses. For this reason, we also recommend to inspect your existing stall doors, stall fronts, and other components to ensure they allow for maximum ventilation within the barn.
This list is far from an exhaustive lists since you can always do more to get ready for the winter. That being said, we recommend to start here so we we aren’t playing catch up during a winter storm. A thorough and mindful inspection can make sure to keep your horses happy and healthy this winter!
Do you have any additional questions? Please kindly feel free to send us an email at sales@americanstalls.com or a call at (855) 957-8255. Alternatively, you can also complete a Contact Us Form.
As September approaches, it's just about time to begin preparing your barn for the colder months. The late-fall and early Winter months bring colder temperatures and inclement weather. That's why we love to get a head start in September to prepare our barns. Below are a handful of ideas we'd like to share for your barn, farm, and equine equipment.
September is a great time to find and identify all of your existing winter blankets. Once found, we recommend to make sure that they are clean, waterproofed, and in good overall condition. After all, you won't want to find that your horse's blankets need to be cleaned, repaired, or re-waterproofed during the first Winter storm.
The fall season brings colder temperatures, but also rain, snow, and ice. This is why we always recommend clients to evaluate last year’s problematic areas in their paddocks and pastures – areas where mud becomes an issue.
We recommend clients to take advantage of the beautiful, crisp Fall weather to walk your pastures. During your walk around paddocks, this is a good time to check your gates, horse fencing, and hardware. We recommend to check for safety, functionality, and overall durability of your existing equipment.
Lastly, this is a good time to add gravel and mud control grids. These two additions will help you stabilize the ground in areas of high hoof-traffic. These simple fixes will ensure that your water flow and mud issues are managed well for the Winter season.
Before winter arrives, we recommend to an inventory check for your hay, grain, feed, and shavings. These are essentials that you will want to have an abundance heading into the colder month. This is especially important to ensure you do not run into a shortage – hence, trying to find a new supplier of materials during the Winter.
Horse Equipment can include everything from your working tractor to your farm vehicles to your horse stall equipment. We always recommend to snare that your farm's tractor, trucks, and plows have been serviced in-advance. This includes oil changes, any tire replacements, and other mechanical fixes. You can also read more here on how to deep clean and maintain your horse stall equipment.
This list is far from an exhaustive lists since you can always do more to get ready for the winter. That being said, we recommend to start here so we we aren’t playing catch up during a winter storm. A thorough and mindful inspection can make sure to keep your horses happy and healthy this winter!
Do you have any additional questions? Please kindly feel free to send us an email at sales@americanstalls.com or a call at (855) 957-8255. Alternatively, you can also complete a Contact Us Form.
When an injury requires your horse to be on stall rest, the experience can be difficult for both you and your horse. Some horses take to stall rest better than others, but fortunately there are many ways you can help make the time as easy as possible on your horse.
Autumn is a time of warm colors, crisp air, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect season to spruce up your barn and stalls with some seasonal décor that reflects the beauty of the fall. Here are some easy and fun autumn touches that can bring charm to your barn while keeping it safe and practical for you and your horses.
Keeping your horse hydrated in the winter is essential to their health. Dehydration in horses can carry serious health risks, including impaction colic, shock, and kidney failure. These safety tips can help you use these devices appropriately and supply your horses with clean, fresh water this winter.
Winter is coming! Now is the time to prepare your barn and horses for the colder months. From stockpiling hay to inspecting barn exteriors and organizing tack, this guide covers everything you need to create a safe and comfortable winter environment for your equine companions.
Discover the stunning custom-built dressage barn in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where elegance meets functionality. This world-class equestrian retreat features custom sliding stall fronts with European charm, innovative French yoke designs, and thoughtful upgrades that cater to both the horses' well-being and the owner’s vision. Explore how American Stalls crafted a dream barn that blends modern amenities with timeless aesthetics.
