Keeping your barn clean and well-ventilated is essential for your horse’s health and overall barn hygiene. Here are a few key tips this week to freshen up your horse’s space:

Even if your horse doesn’t spend much time in the barn, keep it clean and fresh for his health, and yours. Tomasz Zajda/adobe.stock.com

✅ Muck Stalls Daily – Ammonia from urine and manure can irritate your horse’s lungs and even impact his hooves. Remove wet bedding thoroughly and use rubber stall mats to make cleaning easier. Pick stalls daily to maintain a clean space for your horse.

✅ Improve Drainage – Well-drained stalls and pens help prevent mud buildup. Gutters and downspouts can redirect water away from barn entrances. Mud isn’t preventable for most areas, but paying attention to drainage can help mitigate standing water, which can also reduce fly populations.

✅ Increase Ventilation – Proper airflow reduces ammonia buildup and dust. Keep doors and windows open when possible, and consider adding vents or exhaust fans. Warm barns are fantastic, but poor ventilation can cause respiratory issues, so air it out when possible.

✅ Deep Cleaning and Natural Deodorizers – Regularly scrub stall walls, mats, and feed buckets to prevent bacteria buildup. Consider using barn lime (calcium carbonate) or non-toxic sprays like Bye Bye Odor to keep stalls smelling fresh without harsh chemicals.