Top Five Projects to Winterize your Horse Barn

Snow and icicles on horse barn exterior.
Snow and icicles on horse barn exterior. Robert Ranson

Newsdate: November 13, 2020, 11:00 am
Location: GILROY, California

Doing some simple projects before the snow flies can make horse chores a lot easier during the winter. Cold weather, especially when wind and snow are blowing and icy conditions are a part of daily life, makes getting things done more difficult and at times impossible.

Red horse barn surrounded by winter-wonderland-snowy scene.

Red horse barn surrounded by winter-wonderland-snowy scene

Taking 5 important steps to ready barns and stables for winter weather will not only keep horses comfortable, but will save time and money during cold winter months.
© 2019 by Anon New window.

“Don’t wait until the first snowfall to get ready for winter.  By then it’s too late,” says Laurie Cerny, editor of Horse Cent$ Magazine and good-horsekeeping.com.  “You’ll feel more ready for winter if you do some of these things now.”

  1. Check all barn doors and windows to make sure they close properly.  Replace anything that’s broken from windows to door latches.  Just as important is to make sure that the door tracks are cleaned out.  You’ll want ample clearance to allow for snow, ice, and even for the expansion of frozen ground.
  2. Clean out the cobwebs.  Cobwebs can be a fire hazard when they cover lights and electrical outlets.  When covering windows they also reduce the amount of natural light that comes into a barn during the winter. 
  3. Update your lighting.  This means replacing burned out bulbs and possibly adding lighting to areas that get even darker during the winter like entryways, and wash racks and grooming areas.  For general lighting you may want to change traditional light bulbs out for ones that use less energy.  Solar sensor nightlights work great for bathrooms and other areas that could use some continual lighting throughout the day and night.
  4. Stock up on staples.  This means bedding, hay, grain, and anything else that you use on a regular basis.  A good rule of thumb is to have at least a 30-day supply on hand at all times.  There’s nothing worse than being down to your last can of grain, or bag of sawdust in the middle of a snowstorm.
  5. Check all of your water tank and pail heaters.  Make sure they are working properly and that the electrical cords and plugs are in good shape.  Store any unused water tanks indoors, or inside of a horse trailer.  If storage is not possible, at least turn them upside down

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

Author picture

As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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