Extreme winter weather conditions can often result in horses being kept in the barn, out of the elements. But being cooped up in the barn isn’t always the healthiest option. Dust, humidity and ammonia can lead to respiratory and other health conditions in horses.
We asked horse owners to share their tips for how they keep barns clean and provide a healthy environment for horses during the winter. Here are a few tidbits of advice they shared.
Ventilation is important. “I clean stalls every day, and air out the barn for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon,” said Billie Furgerson.
Run-in sheds and outdoor shelters also require regular cleaning. Judi Longenecker said she cleans her horses’ run-in daily to give them a clean area to stand without frozen mud and manure. “An easy standing place out of the weather is a must-have in my book.”
Daily time outside the barn is necessary. Mandi Mincheski said her horses go outside, even if it’s just long enough to get the barn clean and swept so the dust can settle before they return to their stalls.