As a horse owner, it’s your job to make sure your horse is happy and healthy in a safe and nurturing environment. Along with routine care for your horse themselves—grooming, exercise, bonding, feeding—the biggest factor in your horse’s health will be their living conditions.
Once you’ve invested in a high-quality horse barn or shed, you need to make sure your setup is ideal for the well-being of your horse. If you can check these three things off the list, you can rest easy knowing that they’re in the best environment possible!
1) Well-ventilated
A constant flow of clean, fresh air is probably the single most important condition for keeping your horse healthy. Moisture (which causes mold), dust, debris, bacteria, and harmful gases can build up quickly in the small space of a barn. When inhaled, these toxins jeopardize your horse’s respiratory health. Use plenty of fans, windows, and vents to keep the air moving!
2) Controlled temperature
Just like humans, a horse’s body suffers greatly from extreme temperatures and constant fluctuations. You need to find the right balance of insulation and air circulation to keep your horse comfortable and their living environment at a consistent temperature. Otherwise, you risk them falling ill to heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, or even starvation.
3) Pest protected
Insects, rodents, and small animals love a good horse barn. With easy access to food and warm bedding, there’s no reason for them not to settle in! Unfortunately, these pests often bring fleas, disease, and damage upon your horse and their home. Make sure your barn’s structure is sound (so nothing can sneak in), feed is well-sealed, and that you’re using safe pest control methods to keep your horse and barn protected.
Courtesy of Deer Creek Structures