How to Vent Horse Barns

When considering the health of your horses, there are many aspects to take into account. Adequate diet, exercise and grooming habits are just a few of the many facets of horse care. Another aspect that is often overlooked is air quality. In order to keep your horses healthy and happy, you must provide them with good, breathable air. The best way to do this is to be certain the barn is properly ventilated.

A well-ventilated barn allows for a steady, even airflow throughout. The goal is to avoid areas of stagnant, non-mobile air. Managing ventilation is the best way to keep odors out and maintain a comfortable living quarters for your horses.

• Don't worry about temperature. It is best to keep the temperature of the barn as close as possible to the outside temperature. As long as your horses are maintaining a healthy weight, they will adapt to their surrounding climate. Make your primary concern be providing sufficient airflow.


• Provide adequate windows and openings. Placing openings in each stall will allow hot, moist air to escape. It is best to place these openings as near to the ceiling as possible, so that hot air can rise and exit the building. The best option is to create a ridge vent, an opening at the very top of the roof, which allows heat to escape. It is also beneficial to place a continual opening at the eave, where the wall meets the roof. This continuous eave vent is utilized to allow fresh, outside air to flow into the barn.


• Factor in drafts. Like humans, horses are made uncomfortable by drafts in their living space. Be sure that outside air isn't flowing directly towards your horses. Keeping your vents and openings as high as possible will help direct the airflow into the open spaces and away from your horses.


• Avoid storing hay in the overhead of your horse barn. Materials stored in the overhead will decrease airflow drastically.