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Last week I touched upon the hazards to look for in the pasture your horse will be kept in. Today I want to look at some things to look for when selecting a safe barn to keep your horse in.
I don't believe horses are fussy weather a stall or barn is well painted or has fancy brass hooks and handles. If that's what floats your boat go for it it but don't make decor the number one priority in selecting a barn. Once again put the horses safety and well being first.
Look for a well ventilated barn, you can tell by just sniffing, if it reeks of urine it probably isn't that well ventilated,Make sure the stalls are strong, safe and free of protruding objects your horse can get caught up on. Look particularly close at the partitions between stalls and around the stall handles. The stall should also be big enough to comfortably allow your horse to get up and lie down, for an average size horse a 10x10 is good.
Check to see that the isle is wide enough to bring your horse in and out of the stall and turn around . I like a minimum of 8 feet.
Are the cross ties secured properly or are they put together with baler twine and cheep snaps?
what is the flooring like is it slippery concrete or textured. This is a real concern in wet winter climates.
What is the lighting like, can you see as well at night as during the day.
Is the area for tack in an organized,dry, clean enviorment away from bedding and other things that can get in your way or wreck your expensive tack.
These are just a few things to think about. Tomorrow I will continue with barn safety and talk about indoor riding arenas.
thanks
Steve Wawryk
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