A well-built and maintained barn is the perfect shelter for every horse. Without it, horses are more likely to suffer from extreme weather that may trigger health problems. Apart from being a shelter, barns are also ideal for hay storage and feeding. This may also be the best place for checking and picking a horse’s hooves and implementing stable management practices to optimize horse care.
Suppose you’re planning to own a horse anytime soon. In that case, you may need to know some tips and tricks in making your barn the best for your equine. This may keep your horse away from accidents and diseases. For that purpose, here’s an article to guide you. So, read on!
- Make Your Barn Durable And Weather-Proof
Whether you already have a barn or planning to build one, always consider making your structure durable and weather-proof. This will keep your horse protected against inclement weather and other dangers. For this purpose, you may need to fix or replace some parts of the stable that are more prone to damage.
You may start by considering the types of materials you’d use. You could choose from concrete, wood, and metal. You may think about its ease of installation, cost, and maintenance needs in choosing among these options.
If you’re thinking of availability and versatility, metal barns might be a good option.
- Keep The Barn Well-Ventilated
To prevent molds and other causes of your horse’s respiratory problems, you need to keep your barn well-ventilated. You may install top-notch ceiling fans that could improve the air quality and circulation in the barn. However, consider having a 12-foot clearance to ensure enough space for your horse, as there might be times when they rear up.
Apart from this, you may install exhaust fans in the eaves and roofs. You could also add floor fans for better airflow. To avoid stale air and suffocating heat, ensure that each stall has open spaces above them. Furthermore, you could install vents in every corner to maximize air circulation.
- Optimize Hay Storage
Excellent barn maintenance includes proper hay storage. This protects your horse feed from dirt and other elements that may contaminate the hay. For this purpose, you may need to have a locked area to keep the hay in pallets. Use straps and ropes to keep the grass in place. In choosing a space for your hay, you need to ensure the area is free from leaks and moisture.
- Secure Your Equipment
Aside from being a shelter, the barn could also be a space where you could store your horse’s equipment or accessories, including saddles. In some cases, these items may have unnoticeable damage that may hurt your equine.
To avoid this, you need to cover your saddles with a breathable material. You may also deep-clean them if necessary. Furthermore, you may consider installing a saddle stand to help retain their shape and keep these items organized.
- Pest-Proof Your Barn
Poorly maintained barns are home to rodents, horse flies, and fleas that could cause diseases and structural damage. To avoid this, plan a regular cleaning and pest-proofing schedule that may include the following:
- Sweeping the stalls
- Installing metal rodent-free horse feed storage boxes
- Laying snap and cage traps
- Keeping food sources in proper storage
In pest-proofing your barn, avoid using toxic baits as it could pose health risks to your horse. In addition, you may need to ensure that you won’t use any pointed or protruding objects that could hurt your equine.
- Keep Your Barn Dry And Clean
Wet barns can cause slipping, while dirty stables can cause mold and bacterial growth. To prevent these from happening, you need to conduct regular cleanups, including manure disposal or mucking, shavings removal, and keeping stall fresheners to counter stale smell. You may also mop wet areas to keep the barn completely dry.
- Remove Hazards
To ensure your barn is a safe place for your horse, you need to check the floors, feeders, and stalls for potential hazards. These may include faulty fans, broken posts, and cluttered saddles and tools. Once identified, you need to store them away or fix them accordingly. If they’re beyond repair, you must dispose of them immediately.
Wrapping Up
Apart from proper training and excellent nutrition, a horse’s environment contributes to its growth and development. That said, you need to ensure your barn is in optimal condition. You may follow the makeover and maintenance tips from this article for that purpose.
You may also ask seasoned barn owners or join equine communities for more ideas on making your barn an ideal shelter, especially during winter and summer. Do some research and consider installing security features for the best barn management, such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, gates, and barn fences.
