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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:
#1 – Deep Clean All Horse Stall Equipment
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.
#2 – Organize Your Horse Blankets
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.
#3 – Inspect Electrical Components and the HVAC
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.
#4 – Inspect & Clean Your Barn's 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 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.
#5 – Inspect for Drafts & Superior Ventilation
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.
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.
The Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena at Ohio State University marks a groundbreaking development in equine healthcare. With the addition of custom-built sliding stalls and barn doors from American Stalls, this state-of-the-art facility helps clinicians diagnose and treat performance issues with precision while ensuring horses receive world-class care.
