Good ventilation in your barn is so important for your horses’ health. With poor ventilation, mold, dust, and even manure bits can accumulate in the air that your horses breathe in. Good ventilation can help to minimize respiratory issues, keeping your horses healthier and able to improve at their full athletic capacity.

When you’re planning your barn, maximizing ventilation should be one of your top priorities. These below suggestions can make planning for excellent ventilation in your barn a snap.

Use an Open Stall Plan

Housing your horses in stalls which are fully wood paneled on all sides greatly cuts down on the ventilation that reaches your horses. Instead of opting for traditional all-wood stalls, go for an open stall plan, such as that offered by the European Stall Series. The grilled design of the upper portion of the stall fronts allows air to flow into and out of each stall freely.

If you’re not ready for the open stall plan but still want to maximize ventilation, then consider having grillwork installed on the upper and lower portions of the stall door. Mesh partitions can also help to increase airflow without allowing the horses to reach their heads out into the aisle.

Incorporate Stall Windows

In addition to choosing your stall design carefully, plan the stalls so that an outside-looking window can be incorporated into each. In addition to providing excellent ventilation, stall windows also maximize natural light, leading to a healthier environment for your horse.

Orient the Barn for Natural Breezes

Before you build your barn, pay attention to the natural airflow in the area where you will be building. By orienting your barn so that natural breezes can sweep down through the main aisle, you are establishing a great natural ventilation system.

Plan for Large Aisles

When planning your barn, aim to include wide aisles. These aisles should end in large barn doors that can be pulled fully open to take advantage of the wind and breezes. Being able to really open up your barn during warm weather can make a huge difference when it comes to the overall ventilation.

Use High Efficiency Ceiling Fans

In the heat of summer, there’s no better way to get the hot air moving than to turn on your barn’s ceiling fans. Installing high efficiency ceiling fans allows you to keep air moving without seeing a substantial increase in your electrical bill.

Include Plenty of Electrical Outlets

Your barn’s plans should include plenty of electrical outlets located in close proximity to the stalls. Not only are electrical outlets a convenience, they mean that you can easily power stall fans during the summer. When choosing stall fans, remember to only buy a fan built specifically for barn use; house fans feature motors which aren’t fully enclosed, meaning they could burn out and fall down into the bedding, creating a serious fire hazard.

As you maximize the ventilation in your barn, you are creating an environment that is healthier for both humans and horses, and ultimately a better barn!

Original Source: How to Maximize Ventilation When Planning Your Barn