Nichola O’Donovan, manager for young show jumping athlete Hallie Grimes of Can We Keep It? LLC based out of Wellington, FL, and North Salem, NY
What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?
Picking only three things is difficult, but the first thing I always like to have is a hole punch so we can make adjustments, even though sometimes the hole punch likes to grow legs and walk out of the bag. The second item is vet wrap in case of an emergency at the ring like an overreach. The last thing is a bag of cookies because it’s nice to let the ponies know when they’ve been good.
What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?
I wouldn’t necessarily say this came to me early in my career – it took me a while to realize it – but one thing I’ve learned is that because we work with many people from many backgrounds in this industry it’s important to remember that not everyone will do things the same way you do. This does not mean they are doing it wrong; it just means there are many ways to do the same thing. You can always learn a new way of doing something if you just take a minute.
What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?
Photo courtesy of Nichola O’Donovan
On a day when I know I’m going to be busy, I make sure I start my morning with enough time. Having chores done before the horses get exercised is a big help. Whenever there are an extra five minutes, I like to clean the tack that is done being used. There is nothing worse than turning around at 5 p.m. and seeing a huge pile of tack to clean.
What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?
I’ve been very lucky and have ticked nearly all shows and goals off of my list. I have never done a World Cup Final so that is top of the list now. My favorite locations are London, Dublin, and Rome. Any shows in those locations make me excited.
Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?
I’ve had a quirky bunch of all three over the years, and none were easy to bond with in the beginning. I honestly cannot pick one. If they get your trust and bond with you, they will give you their whole heart. I’ve had a gelding and two stallions that really knew I was their person and that was something special.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
I would probably be a feisty companion pony. I wouldn’t be open to a herd of friends but would be very loyal to a few.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
BarnManager is the Official Barn Management Software of US Equestrian.
It’s been a rollercoaster year for weather in the United States, with record-breaking heatwaves, dirt-cracking drought, and flooding rainfalls. That pattern hasn’t only been a trial for average citizens and livestock owners — it’s also setting the stage for a potentially larger and longer season for West Nile virus, experts say. There are things you can do to reduce the risk to your horses, including eliminating standing, stagnant water sources where mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus breed. But the best way to protect your horses from West Nile virus is even simpler: vaccinate them against it.
US Equestrian talked to Kevin Hankins, DVM, MBA, Managing Equine Veterinarian for Zoetis Animal Health, for insights about this year’s West Nile virus outlook, how the vaccine works, and the effects of the virus on unvaccinated horses.
Why is this year going to be a potentially bad year for West Nile virus in horses?
When we look back historically over West Nile virus outbreaks, whether it’s in the United States or in Europe, a common pattern we see is an extended drought period that’s followed by rain. An ambient temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for replication of the mosquito and replication of the virus in the mosquitoes. What happens during drought conditions — which is counter-intuitive to what people think about mosquitoes and lots of rain — is that those bodies of water become stagnant and smaller, which makes them easier to heat up. That makes them ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. And it makes them have ideal conditions for that virus to replicate within those mosquitoes.
Photo Courtesy of Karin Belgrave/Zoetis Equine
When you get these small bodies of water, lots of virus replication, and lots of mosquito replication and then a big rain comes, it takes all the small, infected mosquito pools and spreads them out all over the place. So now you have infected mosquitoes that are more widespread and able to start their own breeding pools in other places while the temperature is still high. These factors come together to create ideal circumstances for the spread of the virus and for infections.
This year, weather conditions in many places are setting up perfectly for not only an early season, but maybe even an extended season of West Nile, as well as a higher number of mosquitoes carrying the virus.
When is the typical timeframe for West Nile virus season?
Traditionally, in most of the country, the highest number of cases start occurring in August, especially in the Midwest, where the season will go through October. In other parts of the country, like Florida and the rest of the Southeast, the West Nile virus season can extend all year.
What we’ve seen so far this year is an earlier occurrence; we saw some West Nile virus cases in some parts of the U.S. starting in June. In the Midwest, we started seeing cases in July instead of August this year. We worry about the length of the season because the longer it stays warm the longer the West Nile virus season can extend. But I worry more about the number of infected mosquitoes because that increases the odds of a horse or human being bitten by one that is infected. There was a study, I believe at Texas A&M, showing that a horse near an infected mosquito pool can be bitten up to 5,000 times an hour. The chances of an unvaccinated horse in this kind of situation contracting West Nile virus are astronomical; it would be crazy to think they weren’t going to get it.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Thrush, rainrot, and scratches are problems that most equestrians have encountered. While different in their presentation, thrush, rainrot, and scratches have a lot in common. These issues can arise due to environmental factors or predisposing conditions, but there are ways to treat or help prevent them with proper care and management. Dr. Bryan Dubynsky of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, shared his expertise on the causes, treatment, and prevention of each of these conditions.
Thrush
Thrush is an infection within the horse’s hoof most commonly caused by bacteria that invade the deep clefts or grooves (known as sulci) of the frog. Fusobacterium Necrophorum is the common bacterial culprit, which naturally occurs in the environment, especially in wet, muddy, or unsanitary areas. Thrush bacteria thrive where there is a lack of oxygen.
Some horses are predisposed to developing thrush due to conformation, such as a rather high heel or deep sulci, or a narrow or contracted heel. The bacteria will manifest in hooves that are not picked out regularly, or if a horse stands in muddy, wet environments, including paddocks or stalls that have not been cleaned properly. Typically, thrush can be identified first by the odor. The frog will have a strong, rotten smell. Visually, the frog becomes spongy and can even exudate (ooze) pus.
Treatment for thrush is fairly simple because it is very sensitive to oxygen. Begin by having your vet or farrier trim or debride the frog, removing damaged tissue and exposing affected areas to the air. Applying a common detergent to the thrush areas, such as Betadine or any commercial thrush product (Thrush Buster, Coppertox, etc.) will help kill the bacteria. Most importantly, remove the horse from the predisposing environmental factors, otherwise treatments may be ineffective.
Rainrot
Rainrot is caused by a naturally occurring bacteria named Dermotophilus, which produces spores. The condition is recognized as scabby, scaly, crusty spots on areas of the horse that have been exposed to rain. It is commonly seen on the neck or across the back (dorsum). Rainrot is not typically apparent on the legs or under the belly. A surplus of rain on the skin washes away the natural protective oils. Once the skin is stripped of its natural protective layer or any sort of trauma to the skin barrier occurs – which can be as simple as an insect bite – the Dermotophilus spores are able to invade the deeper dermis skin layers. The body then reacts by sending white blood cells and proteins to fight the invaders.
This reactive response causes small pustules, scabs, and bumps to form. Similar to thrush, rainrot is an environmental issue. It is most commonly seen in warm areas with high humidity, excess rain, and insects. The most important prevention tactic is to keep horses out of prolonged periods of rain. A horse can be out in the rain for short periods of a day or two, but if it is constantly in hot and rainy conditions with biting insects, the horse will more than likely develop rainrot.
Dr. Dubynsky emphasizes that topical remedies are only effective if the horse is also removed from the environmental factors. Using a keratolytic agent (something that exfoliates keratin), such as benzoyl peroxide or an antibacterial shampoo, will help the skin heal. He also cautions against picking off any scabs, which could leave the underlying skin vulnerable to additional invading bacteria. The most important tip for healing is to keep the area dry.
Scratches
Scratches is a generic term for many different ailments. The definition of scratches can be a bacterial, fungal, or viral dermatitis or inflammatory condition of the pastern or fetlock.
There are predisposing factors for scratches, including the same environmental issues that cause thrush or rainrot. Horses that have an excess amount of hair on their legs, especially draft horses, may be more prone to developing scratches because the hair traps dirt and moisture on the skin. Scratches can develop in horses that are bathed too often, such as intensely managed show horses. Frequent bathing can strip away the natural protective oils and barrier of the dermis allowing bacteria or fungi to invade. When moisture penetrates the skin, it causes an inflammatory reaction. This presents as heat, redness, pain, and loss of protection against bacteria.
The most effective first step for prevention and treatment of scratches is to eliminate environmental predisposing factors. Removing excess hair during humid months and keeping horses clean and dry will reduce the probability of developing an infection. Bathing horses once a day with Betadine or antifungal/antibacterial shampoo will help clear the infection. Leave the shampoo on for 20 minutes so the medicine can penetrate. Rinse thoroughly and make sure to dry the horse completely. In order to effectively treat the bacteria, horses, especially their legs, should be completely towel- or air-dried before being returned to their stalls or paddocks.
As always, contact your veterinarian immediately if there appears to be a deeper infection present, or if you would like more detailed information on how to treat and prevent these infections.
For a more in-depth explanation of horse hoof health, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
NOTE: These guidelines are only suggestions, and you should always follow the specific instructions from your veterinarian.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
As the end of the year approaches, there are several prestigious competitions and finals you will not want to miss seeing. Continue reading to learn where you can catch a few of the most noteworthy show jumping, hunter, equitation, dressage, and eventing shows this fall.
Dressage at Devon:
September 26-October 1, 2023 – Dressage at Devon takes place in Devon, PA. The event offers international competition at several levels including World Cup qualifiers, three-star competition, Junior and Young Rider qualifiers, and Adult Amateur competition. It is also one of the largest open-breed shows in the world.
September 28-October 8, 2023 – Capital Challenge Horse Show will celebrate its 30th anniversary at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Enjoy top equitation competition during Equitation Weekend, presented by BIGEQ.com. Hunter competition takes center stage starting on Monday, October 2, with the country’s best horse-and-rider combinations going head-to-head in World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Challenges and Finals. The highlight event will be the $25,000 WCHR Professional Finals on Friday, October 6.
October 5-8, 2023 – CSI Greenwich takes place at the iconic Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, CT. The event will feature five-star Major League Show Jumping competition on the beautiful grass field.
October 23-29, 2023 – The 2023 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) will take place at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The country’s best show jumping, hunter, and equitation riders will compete at the prestigious event. Highlights include the $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, which is the only five-star World Cup qualifier in the U.S., and the WIHS Equitation Finals, both on Saturday, October 28.
October 26-29, 2023 – Les 5 Étoiles de Pau will take place in Domaine de Sers in Pau, France, and will feature some of the world’s top eventing riders and horses. The competition is one of the seven five-star events in the world.
November 3-12, 2023 – The 2023 Royal Horse Show will take place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada, as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The event will highlight hunter classes as well as top international show jumping competition. The main event of the week will be the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto CSI5*-W on Saturday, November 11.
Where to watch the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto CSI5*-W: ClipMyHorse.TV
World Equestrian Center – Ocala November Dressage CDI3*:
November 16-19, 2023 – Dressage competition will take the spotlight at World Equestrian Center – Ocala during the November Dressage CDI3* show in Ocala, FL. In addition to offering three-star dressage competition, the event will also offer USEF/USDF competition and serve as a qualifying show for the Great American/United States Dressage Federation Regional Championships.
November 16-19, 2023 – LGCT Prague is the final event of the Global Champions Tour circuit. The show will take place in the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. Top international show jumping athletes will compete for coveted titles with the main events being the LGCT Super Grand Prix and the Global Champions League Super Cup.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
BarnManager is the Official Barn Management Software of US Equestrian.
Mud is hard on humans and horses alike, and many a barn manager undoubtedly has wished they could simply wave a magic wand to get rid of it. Reducing mud around the barn and pasture isn’t quite that easy, but there are things you can do to prevent it. We asked Dr. Stephen Higgins, director of environmental compliance for the University of Kentucky’s Agricultural Experiment Station in Lexington, KY, for his top mud-prevention tips.
“You have to be willing to try things and think out of the box,” said Higgins. “Sometimes you’ve got to be willing to break bad habits and traditions.”
Assess your horse’s daily environment.
Taking your area’s climate and average rainfall into account, consider how water moves through your horse’s paddock or pasture.
“Is there natural drainage going through their paddock? Is there a summit position? Is it well-drained or does the water pool?” said Higgins. “A lot of people will lay out a horse farm looking at aerial photography and planning on two dimensions, length and width. They look for areas to place square paddocks or large paddocks, but they don’t consider the drainage.”
Ideally, gateways should be away from drainage areas — at the top of a slope rather than at the bottom, for example. Mud will be more likely in high-traffic areas, like gateways and spots where horses gather naturally, so it’s important to minimize that by shifting gates away from natural drainage paths.
Use pasture grass to help manage water flow.
“You want to protect your pastures from excess water by having them in a full canopy of grass,” explained Higgins. “That’s crop science 101. You don’t want any bare spots or denuded areas, because rain can cause a lot of damage.
“You want what we call sheet flow, where water flows as a shallow sheet across a big area. You want thick stands of forages or grasses to slow water down to filter it and hang on to it as much as possible to prevent rapid soil run-off — and to water your pasture grass naturally,” commented Higgins.
Control horse traffic
Keeping horses in for part of the day allowing a paddock to “rest” without horses for a time helps prevent overgrazing and soil compaction — both contributors to mud. During prolonged, heavy rain, consider stabling your horses to help prevent soil damage.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Corie Bannon, office manager for Hampton Green Farm and show groom for international dressage athlete Kerrigan Gluch, based out of Ocala, FL
What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?
For my ringside bag, I like to plan for the worst and hope for the best. If it fits, it’s going into the bag. However, three things that are always there are extra white gloves, sugar, and a rag. Sometimes when everything is hot and sweaty the rider can’t grip the reins and fresh gloves are needed. Sugar is the reward and keeps the horse feeling good about their work. If you know me you know I don’t go anywhere without a rag on my belt. Such a simple thing has so many uses!
What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?
Photo courtesy of Corie Bannon
One thing that has always stuck with me is you never know when a new opportunity might arise. The majority of my opportunities presented themselves when I was least expecting them. I was at the right place at the right time when I met a rider in need of a groom to travel to the Olympics with them. This led to an incredible opportunity to travel and learn so much about the sport. Unfortunately, I was severely injured in a car accident, and I was taken out of my position very suddenly. The turn of events took me away from the job I had but a new opportunity as office manager presented itself. You never know what life might throw your way. Always stay positive, patient, and open-minded and things will work themselves out.
Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?
Lendon Gray inspires me the most in the industry. Lendon’s dedication and passion for the sport of dressage is unmatched. Not only did she have an amazing riding career, but now dedicates her time to her nonprofit organization, Dressage4Kids. Dressage4Kids focuses on education for all youth riders, no matter where they come from, what level they ride at, or how much their horse cost. I have been involved with the program for more than 20 years, and I can gratefully say that I would not have found success without the incredible work of Lendon. Dressage4Kids is continuing to create a pipeline of well-educated youth riders for the sport in the U.S.
What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?
I need to have a plan the night before in order for me to stay as organized as possible. I like to make a list of show times and times riders would like to get on each horse. Then I work backward to determine the correct timing of tacking up, braiding, etc. Another thing that helps me on busy days is having my tack trunks super organized. Everything has its designated spot, and I know where it is without even needing to look. This is especially important when the day becomes chaotic because I don’t waste time looking for anything.
What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?
Photo courtesy of Corie Bannon
I have been extremely fortunate in my career and have been able to groom at so many amazing shows. I have been able to be a spectator at Aachen, but I would love to be able to groom at this prestigious show. I feel this show is a huge accomplishment and dream for most riders and it would be amazing to be part of that dream!
Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?
I don’t prefer one over the other. Every horse has their own individual personality. I have never worked with two horses alike, which keeps it entertaining. I tend to enjoy working with horses that have very loud personalities.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
If I were a horse, I would be mostly laid back, but I would enjoy keeping my rider on their toes. I like to think I have a good work ethic. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I feel like I would enjoy being a show pony.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Proper hoof health can be difficult to achieve at any time of year, especially during the months with higher temperatures and humidity. A solid, healthy hoof is even more difficult to attain in a warmer climate due to an increase in moisture in the environment. Dr. Stephen O’Grady of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, explains how moisture contributes to a weaker hoof infrastructure and offers steps owners and managers can take to help keep moisture away and strengthen horses’ hooves.
We tend to use more water to keep horses cool when the temperatures are high, both at competitions and at home. In many areas of the country, the humidity levels also increase during this time of year, adding moisture to the air and preventing hooves from drying as quickly. What happens to a hoof with excess water is similar to what would happen to a wooden plank that’s placed in a water trough: it becomes waterlogged, then softens and becomes weaker as a result.
It is best to tackle issues that accompany moisture by going straight to the source and minimizing the amount of water that comes in contact with the hooves. This can be accomplished in several ways:
Give your horse fewer baths
Photo by Jump Media
Cutting down on how many times per day a horse is hosed can be difficult with competition horses that need to stay clean and that may be exercised, ridden, or shown several times per day. Still, it is important to be strategic about using water, especially on the legs. At home, try to occasionally let your horse air dry in front of the fan if a bath isn’t entirely necessary. Body clipping will help your horse’s heat tolerance this time of year and you may not have to use the hose after every ride.
Avoid standing water
If you must bathe, be sure the horse isn’t standing in excess water that rises over the hoof capsule. Try to shower off the horse in a dry area so the surface underneath the horse does not contribute to the moisture level. After being bathed, move the horse to a dry surface so their hooves can thoroughly dry.
Use hoof shields to direct water away from the hoof
A good preventative tool to use while hosing is tight-fitting bell boots that cover the hoof and prevent external water from running down onto the hoof. The same effect can be accomplished with a gallon-sized plastic bag. Simply cut the bottom of the bag, place the horse’s foot inside, and seal the bag just below the fetlock to prevent excess water from sliding down the hoof.
Stand the horse in sawdust
Sawdust and similar materials have a drying effect on hooves. If hooves become saturated for any reason, let the horse stand in deep sawdust to extract the moisture. Shavings would work also, but sawdust is the most effective for absorbing moisture.
Use a shellac-type hoof dressing
Photo by Jump Media
This type of product can help prevent the hoof from absorbing too much water if applied before baths or turnout. Ask your farrier or veterinarian to recommend options that will do the job when used one to two times per week. Boric acid powder can also be applied to horses’ feet once or twice a week, serving as an astringent for the hoof.
Avoid turning out early in the morning
When humidity is high, the grass at dawn will have a high dew level, meaning horses will be standing on wet surfaces during the first hours spent outside. Though temperatures are cooler as the sun is still rising, for overall hoof health it’s best to wait until the grass has dried.
Farriery may need to be changed during warmer months
Open the lines of communication between your veterinarian and farrier. This is a crucial step to ultimate hoof care. Each professional has a reason behind their decisions, and if the two work together as a team, the horse has a much higher chance of achieving optimal hoof health.
Achieving a healthy hoof is not solely a farrier’s job; it is a whole team effort and requires dedication and attention. By implementing these recommendations into your horse care routine, you can play a role in how moisture affects your horse’s hooves. When considering the effects of excessive moisture on the hoof wall, it’s important to understand there are other factors involved, including the age of horse, breed, genetic makeup, foot conformation, and current farriery practices. With open communication and implementing these measures as a team, you are on the right track to achieving a stronger and overall healthier hoof.
For a more in-depth explanation of horse hoof health, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
NOTE: These guidelines are only suggestions, and you should always follow the specific instructions from your veterinarian.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Many equestrians use social media to stay on top of the latest news and results in the sport. In addition to keeping up with your favorite riders and horse shows, consider adding a few influencers to your follow list and enjoy the wonderful world of horses from their perspective. Continue reading for a list of BarnManager’s favorite equestrian influencers on Instagram.
Make sure to follow Alex Calder’s account @betweentwoears for beautiful views of Ireland through the ears of her horse Ben. Get a glimpse at the trails and fields of Ireland with some foal and pony posts mixed in.
You should definitely take a look at dressage groom Evan Donadt’s @evangrooms account if you are looking for fun. His videos featuring a lighthearted take on equine behavior and life around the barn will make just about anyone laugh out loud.
Matt Harnacke documents what it’s like to be a model and dressage rider. Check out @matt_harnacke to follow along with his travels, watch videos of him riding during golden hour, and get an inside look at his life as the founder of @horseworld_tv.
Esme Higgs shares videos and photos promoting fashion, beauty, horses, travel, and equine welfare. Esme travels to top competitions around the world and shares her experiences with her followers on @this_esme. She also hosts a podcast, Esme’s Country Life, that offers a deeper dive into her love of the countryside, animals, horses, and riding.
Follow along with Madelyn Houser’s equestrian adventures on @theblondeandthebay_. Madelyn chronicles the highs and lows of her dressage career, working with her husband’s roping horses, the funny realities of running a barn with her spouse, and more.
For a mix of horse training, fashion, fitness, and travel check out @myequestrianstyle. Bethany Lee shares videos and photos of recent horse shows, her favorite clothing items, her go-to fitness routine, and more. Bethany also interviews leaders from across the sport on The Equestrian Podcast.
Equestrians aiming to improve their fitness for riding should head over to @jack.equibody.fitness where dressage rider Jack LaTorre shares videos on why cross-training is important for equestrian athletes at all levels. Followers can learn exercises that can be done at the gym or at home to improve flexibility and strength to help improve their time in the saddle.
Brianna Noble is an inspirational urban cowgirl who is aiming to change lives. She works with youth from underprivileged communities in California and utilizes horsemanship as a tool toward a brighter future through her Humble project. Follow @urbancowgirl for motivational and fun photos plus an honest look at the equestrian industry.
Taryn Young posts everything from encouraging quotes to favorite equestrian products and gifts on @warmbloodsandwine. As an amateur dressage rider, Taryn also shares photos and videos of herself competing.
BarnManager is the Official Barn Management Software of US Equestrian.
If you are building a new barn or planning a remodel, one important factor to keep in mind is the importance of ventilation. Fresh, circulating air is the essential element veterinarians urge when planning barn upgrades that most affect our horse’s health and well-being. Designs and management strategies to reduce airborne dust and ammonia go hand-in-hand with prioritizing ventilation.
Minimizing injury risks and creating a suitable place for the veterinarian and other care providers to help your horse rank highly, too.
Ventilation
Even the most meticulously kept stable is loaded with tiny, respirable particles that impact our horses’ vulnerable respiratory systems. Forage is the healthiest diet foundation for most horses, but it’s also one of the biggest sources of these invisible bits of organic matter that trigger irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Photo courtesy of US Equestrian
Traditional bedding is right up there with hay as a source of organic dust. Ammonia is another inescapable element in the stable and it’s harmful — for your horse and for you.
Whatever the airborne particles consist of, ventilation keeps them moving along rather than settling in the horse’s breathing zone.
If you are building a new barn, you’ll want to maximize natural breezes by positioning the barn and the breezeways in their predominant path. Make those aisleways wide — ideally, at least 14 feet — to maximize airflow intake, and choose ceiling heights and air exits to harness the tendency of warm air to rise.
Installing more windows and/or doors is your best option in barn remodels and upgrades. The more places air can enter and exit, the better. Horses in stalls with two doors or windows, for example, benefit from living in an airflow corridor.
Continue reading on US Equestrian to learn more about how ambient temperature, fans, eliminating dust, flooring, safe spaces, and injury reduction are all important factors in barn building design.
