Is your barn ready for the winter? This is something that many people tend to look over until it is too late. These 9 ways to winterize your barn are timely to ensure everything is ready before it gets really nasty out there. This will help to keep your barn and horses safe through the winter and put your mind at ease.
- Check your stalls – Make sure you check each of your stalls for any protruding nails, screws, sharp edges, etc. Also replace any old wood to keep your horses safe from any split, chewed or uneven boards. Your horse will be spending a lot of time in their stalls during the winter so make sure they are safe!
- Ventilate your barn – Make sure your barn is well ventilated to keep your horses healthy. Natural ventilation can be provided through stall windows. If this is not an option, leave some doors open during the day time to get fresh air through the barn. Open your horse’s stalls up by using grilled or mesh partitions between the stalls which will allow for more airflow.
- Invest in heated water buckets – You always want to make sure your horse has water. Especially during the winter. The snow cannot provide horses with enough water. Invest in heated or insulated water buckets. Your horse will always have access to water and you won’t have to worry about freezing.
- Clear the way to manure disposal – With the snow, dumping manure can be even more difficult. Make sure you have a clear and easy path from your barn to the manure pile. You can always move it come spring time but make sure there is a designated area.
- Stock up on bedding – Make sure you have enough bedding through the winter months. Make sure your bedding is stored in a dry area. You can buy bulk shavings for cheaper.
- Stock up on feed – Make sure you have enough hay to last you through the winter. This is generally an “end of summer” task but if you have not done it yet, do it now!
- Remove all cobwebs – Cobwebs catch dust, hay and bedding and can actually be a fire hazard. Give your stalls and barn a good dusting.
- Provide outdoor protection – If your horses are outside at any point in time during the winter, make sure they have a place to go in case of bad weather. A lean-to is the best option. Make sure it is safe for your horses of any nails, sharp edges, etc.
- Check your lights – Lighting is important during the winter as the days are shorter. Check all the lights in and outside of your barn. Replace any that are dim or out.
Winterizing your barn for the winter is easy. Just follow these few steps and you are on your way to a safe winter!
For more information on winterizing your barn, visit:
http://www.rammfence.com/resource-center/ramm-articles/12-tips-for-winterizing-your-barn
