Ideas for Horse Barn Cooling

Finding ways to cool your horse barn can prevent heat stress in the hot summer months. If you live in a warm climate, in an area with a frequent combination of heat and humidity, or if your horse has issues with sweating (anhidrosis), modifying your barn or installing cooling capabilities could save you money in the long term, and may even save your horses. If your barn is still under construction, invest in insulation now. However, insulation alone may not be sufficient.

  1. Ventilation

    • Open as many doors and windows as possible for ventilation.

      The easiest -- and most economical -- solution for horse barn cooling is adequate ventilation. Leave all windows and doors open as much as possible. If the barn stalls have doors that open to outside runs, leave them open as well. Try to open windows and doors across from each other, so that cross-ventilation can occur. Adequate ventilation is not just a cooling issue; it is critical to your horse's health. If your barn does not have adequate ventilation, you may find that spending money to make modifications is a worthwhile investment.

    Ceiling Fans

    • Ceiling fans must be out of the way if a horse rears.

      Ceiling fans can be a simple modification to your barn to circulate the air, particularly in combination with adequate ventilation. Make sure the fans are installed high in the barn; above the center aisle is a good option. Some horse owners place ceiling fans directly above each individual stall. Either way, make sure the height is adequate if your horse rears or kicks up with its hind legs; you will be surprised at how high they can kick or how tall they are when standing on their back legs.

    Wall or Box Fans

    • Box fans are an inexpensive way to circulate air throughout the barn to help with cooling. As with ceiling fans, they work better in conjunction with adequate ventilation, rather than just circulating stale, enclosed air. In addition to having a box fan in the aisle, mount individual box fans on the walls high above each stall. Ensure that the mounting hardware is secure, and that the fan is safely out of the horse's way. You can also order high-powered fans specially manufactured for barns that move air through a barn with minimal noise and dust.

    Water Misters

    • Water misters offer an efficient and effective cooling system for your barn. The cooling effect occurs as the water evaporates. If your barn is well-ventilated or equipped with adequate fans for air circulation, installing the misters may be all you need. If you need additional airflow to circulate the misting, you can purchase a mister and fan combination that are designed to work together.