As of September, we are living in unprecedented times with plenty of change. In the middle of this change, one thing does remain the same, though. That one thing is barn safety protocols.
The fall season is the perfect time to start your preparations for winter. The days are usually cooler. There are fewer insects in the area, or they have died off. In short, the fall season creates ideal conditions for getting the barn ready for use ov. A simple, yet thorough inspection of your horse barn can help you keep your barn safe this winter.
Here are five things we recommend to do to prepare the barn for winter:
Deep Clean All Horse Stall Equipment
Cleaning Horse Stall equipment goes a long way in any season, but it is even more important to clean thoroughly in preparation for winter. We recommend removing 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.) for any flammable buildup.
Inspect Bulbs and Electrical Components
No matter the age (or condition) of your barn, we recommend scheduling inspections of 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 outfitting 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.
Inspect and Clean Your Feed Room
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 rodent. For this reason, we recommend cleaning up your feed room to help reduce the risk of rodents and insects. Sweep up spilled feed, which attracts pests.
Inspect your storage containers to make sure the lids seal tightly. 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.
Prepare & Check Water Supply
Monitor the water trough and take steps to prevent issues. A high-quality heating device is a sound investment and can help ensure your horse is well hydrated through the winter months.
For a truly hands-off winter water setup, an Automatic Waterer takes the daily freeze-check off the chore list. Our Cascada Automatic Horse Waterer delivers fresh, temperature-regulated water on demand and logs every drink per horse, so you can confirm hydration from your phone even when you’re hundreds of miles from the barn. The Nelson Automatic Waterer is another well-regarded option, with heated models built to stay ice-free through the coldest nights.
Alternatively, if you use hoses, check the hoses for any leaks. Replace the hose or add it to the existing hose line. Lastly, while the consumption of snow is generally not a health hazard for horses, it is not a good substitute for fresh water. It will not prevent your horse from getting dehydrated over the winter.
Check for Drafts and Superior Ventilation
Ventilation is essential for a horse's overall health and specifically lung health. However, large drafts can be dangerous for temperature regulation. For older barns, we recommend checking your barn structure. This means checking 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.
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 inspecting your existing stall doors, stall fronts, and other components to ensure they allow for maximum ventilation within the barn.
This list is far from exhaustive since you can always do more to get ready for the winter. That being said, we recommend starting early so 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!
Talk through your barn with our team. Request an estimate, call (855) 957-8255 or email sales@americanstalls.com, and one of our Project Managers will be in touch to schedule a complimentary consultation.
