10 Steps to Prepare Your Barn and Horse for Winter
Published: July 3, 2009
By: Carrie Spencer; Purdue University, Equine Health Update.
1 Organize the clutter.
• Clean your tack room and grooming supplies throwing out items that are worn or broken.
• Clean up aisle ways and indoor arenas.
• Put stall fans and light weight sheets in storage
and replace sheets with winter blankets. Inspect
blankets and repair if needed.
2 Inventory medicine and cleaning/grooming supplies.
• Remove items that will freeze or get damaged by cold temperatures.
• Replace or purchase medications and supplies you foresee needing during the winter.
3 Prepare stalls for increase usage.
• Install mats or bedding that will alleviate the build up of excessive ammonia from urine, provide better footing and prevent possible casting incidences.
4 Assess the ventilation in the barn.
• Dispose of old hay and bedding, sweep hay loft floors and dust light fixtures.
• Indoor air quality is very important to prevent respiratory diseases!
5 Check all hardware (latches, hinges, etc.).
• Test stall doors and gates to ensure they are not damaged or in need of replacement. This will help prevent escapes and unnecessary injuries!
6 Eliminate excessive draftiness.
• Seal major air leaks in stalls by repairing/replacing boards and/or window shutters.
• Do not seal normal openings because appropriate barn ventilation is essential for respiratory health during winter.
7 Evaluate water supply.
• Insulate exposed water pipes with spray
polyurethane foam.
• Replace water hose with one that does not freeze.
• Insulate interior water buckets to prevent freezing.
• Place a ball in outside water trough or install a water heater to keep it from freezing over.
8 Stock feed, bedding and hay.
• Make sure that you have sufficient amount of
each and store them in a dry place using rodent-
proof containers.
9 Inspect all electrical components.
• Clean outlet boxes of dust and cobwebs, check them for power and inspect wiring for wear and tear.
• Replace all fuses.
• Check circuit box for weak circuits.
• Inspect fire extinguishers and replace batteries in existing smoke detectors.
10 Pasture protection.
• Protect your horses from wind, rain and snow by providing appropriate horse clothing and a well built field shelter.
• Ensure that the field shelter is large enough to house the horses and the entrance is big enough to prevent bullies in the herd from cornering the other horses.
Although this list is not all inclusive, it is a good start to get you prepared for the challenges of winter.
• Clean your tack room and grooming supplies throwing out items that are worn or broken.
• Clean up aisle ways and indoor arenas.
• Put stall fans and light weight sheets in storage
and replace sheets with winter blankets. Inspect
blankets and repair if needed.
2 Inventory medicine and cleaning/grooming supplies.
• Remove items that will freeze or get damaged by cold temperatures.
• Replace or purchase medications and supplies you foresee needing during the winter.
3 Prepare stalls for increase usage.
• Install mats or bedding that will alleviate the build up of excessive ammonia from urine, provide better footing and prevent possible casting incidences.
4 Assess the ventilation in the barn.
• Dispose of old hay and bedding, sweep hay loft floors and dust light fixtures.
• Indoor air quality is very important to prevent respiratory diseases!
5 Check all hardware (latches, hinges, etc.).
• Test stall doors and gates to ensure they are not damaged or in need of replacement. This will help prevent escapes and unnecessary injuries!
6 Eliminate excessive draftiness.
• Seal major air leaks in stalls by repairing/replacing boards and/or window shutters.
• Do not seal normal openings because appropriate barn ventilation is essential for respiratory health during winter.
7 Evaluate water supply.
• Insulate exposed water pipes with spray
polyurethane foam.
• Replace water hose with one that does not freeze.
• Insulate interior water buckets to prevent freezing.
• Place a ball in outside water trough or install a water heater to keep it from freezing over.
8 Stock feed, bedding and hay.
• Make sure that you have sufficient amount of
each and store them in a dry place using rodent-
proof containers.
9 Inspect all electrical components.
• Clean outlet boxes of dust and cobwebs, check them for power and inspect wiring for wear and tear.
• Replace all fuses.
• Check circuit box for weak circuits.
• Inspect fire extinguishers and replace batteries in existing smoke detectors.
10 Pasture protection.
• Protect your horses from wind, rain and snow by providing appropriate horse clothing and a well built field shelter.
• Ensure that the field shelter is large enough to house the horses and the entrance is big enough to prevent bullies in the herd from cornering the other horses.
Although this list is not all inclusive, it is a good start to get you prepared for the challenges of winter.
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