Barn Designs that Can Keep Your Senior Horse Healthier and Happier

Horses

If you have a soft spot in your heart for senior horses, then you may want to take the needs of senior horses into account when designing your barn! The overall design of a barn or stable can contribute to your senior horse’s comfort and health. Here’s what you’ll want to consider when building a barn for a senior equine.

Large, Well-Cushioned Stalls

When you’ll be housing senior horses, your goal should be to provide them with the largest, roomiest stalls possible. Classic Equine Equipment’s ability to create stalls in custom sizes and designs can be a great help when you’re creating generously sized stalls for your seniors.

Additionally, make sure that your stalls provide your horses with plenty of cushion. A well-bedded stall can encourage your senior horse to lie down at night. Installing a Stable Comfort stall mattress system can create a cushy bed while minimizing your bedding costs. If a Stable Comfort system isn’t an option, then be sure to use rubber stall mats which provide your horse with adequate traction to help when he’s getting to his feet again.

Adequate Turnout with Quality Footing

The ability to move around helps senior horses to stay healthy and can lessen the effects of arthritis. Make sure that you can provide your horses with adequate turnout space with quality, safe footing. If your pastures are often muddy, then consider installing a Stable-ity Grid to minimize the mud and create a smooth, safe footing surface for your horses.

Maximized Socialization

Socialization is super important for any horse, but it’s particularly important for senior horses. Socialization helps to keep senior horses entertained and allows them to form bonds with other horses. Design your barn with socialization in mind – consider installing stall partitions which use bars or mesh to allow horses to interact. Turning horses out in a group is another way to increase their socialization.

Good Ventilation

Good, quality ventilation is vital for the health of any horse, but it’s particularly important for senior horses who may already have respiratory issues. To maximize ventilation in your barn, consider using an open stall layout which allows for increased airflow (and, as a bonus, allows for increased socialization between horses).

Additionally, building a large barn entrance with barn end doors means that you can promote good airflow through the barn. Don’t forget to include many barn windows, too – installing a window in every stall goes a long way to creating excellent ventilation. Barn fans can also be useful in circulating air throughout your barn.

If your barn will be home to senior horses, then carefully designing it can help to keep your seniors healthy and happy!



Original Source: Barn Designs that Can Keep Your Senior Horse Healthier and Happier

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