"Can't breathe in here"

Stable Environment & Ventilation: Keeping Your Horses Healthy and Comfortable

A well‑ventilated stable isn’t just about fresh air—it’s the first line of defense against respiratory irritation, mold growth and ammonia build‑up. Here’s how to turn your barn into a breezy, dry haven.

Creating a Continuous Cross‑Breeze
Rather than relying on a single open door or window, position vents or openings on opposite walls so air can flow straight through the stall. When wind hits one side of the stable, it naturally pushes stale, moisture‑laden air out the other, delivering a gentle, constant refresh without gusty drafts on your horse. Even in mild weather, keeping a low-level airflow running prevents pockets of stagnant air where dust and allergens accumulate.

Battling Humidity and Ammonia
Ammonia from damp bedding is a major irritant to horses’ lungs and eyes. By mucking out early in the day—when you can spread and fluff fresh straw or shavings under warm, drying sun—you give bedding time to air out fully before the cooler, damper night sets in. As the day warms, moisture evaporates, leaving fresh bedding that won’t cake or foster bacteria. Over time, you’ll notice less ammonia smell, fewer respiratory coughs and a noticeably brighter barn atmosphere—health benefits that keep both horse and handler breathing easy.