Is your horse’s stall trying to hurt your horse?

 

The first thing you will learn as a horse owner is that horses love to remove parts of their bodies on things in their stalls and also out in the open. Here’s a list of a few things to keep your eye out for, to hopefully minimize the things that can make you call the Vet.

 

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vent in horse stall above a window

Keep your horse’s stall vented and fresh!

 

Check all of the construction in your horse’s stall for wayward nails and screws.

 

  • Ideally, all nails and screws will be countersunk – meaning they are into the wood and beyond. Alternatively, screws could be rounded. Unrounded screws can poke out just enough to do some damage. Your inspection might find some nails and screws that can be banged in or twisted in.

 

screw safely put into stall wall

This screw has disappeared into the wood. No chance of it poking your horse, I hope.

 

Look out for the edges of boards, especially the boards around doors, windows, and any favorite boards for butt rubbing.

 

  • Rounded edges are best. Areas that your horse chews (ACK!!) also tend to have sharp edges that can end up inside your horse. Awesome. Quick tip – a bar of strong soap can help repel your horse when you rub the delicious areas of the stall with the bar.

 

soap-stop-wood-chewing Splinters caused by chewed-up wood are bad for your horse’s mouth and digestive tract.

 

 

It’s always a good idea to strip your horse’s stall

 

  • When you have that stall 100% empty you can inspect the intersection between the wall and mats/floor for issues.

 

  • Depending on the construction of your barn, you may find that moist or wet shavings have caused some damage around the base of your stall. This is likely not a problem unless you have a stall that has started to rust. Rusty pieces are pokey, and not good for your barn. Also not good for your horse.

 

  • Make sure the mats are doing their job. Warped mats can be uncomfortable for your horse and can cause you to trip. I would write more about this, but I’d really rather not think about the tedium that is moving mats, leveling the ground, and replacing mats.

 

 

stall lights with safety cages

Light bulbs are best in safety cages.

 

Take a detailed look at the electrical systems in your horse’s stall.

 

  • Ideally, an electrician will check on the safety of the wiring in the barn. Also, be sure that fans are working and dust-free. Outlets and switches are covered, and the lighting in your barn is covered by some sort of protection. Bulbs can be in cages, and long tube-like lighting is housed in a covering.

 

  • Make sure the stall is well ventilated. Airflow is critical – even in the coldest temperatures. This is a must for respiratory health, remembering that a horse’s dining room s also his bathroom. Taking steps to eliminate ammonia involved treating the stall floor with a zeolite product, and making sure the air stays flowing. Vents are an option, as are windows.

 

horse bucket attached to wall with snap openings facing towards the wall

No noses are allowed to get into snaps. Keep the buckle down and this likely won’t happen.

 

Check that the water lines into the stall are working, insulated, and free of rust.

 

  • These lines can either feed automatic waterers, or they can be used to fill water buckets. Speaking of buckets – make sure their attachment to the wall has no scratchy edges, and that snaps are attached with the snappy opening down, away from noses.

 

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Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you.  You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

Farnam Chew Stop Aerosol
$32.90 $27.80

Helps to stop your horse from eating the barn and fencing

11/03/2024 03:24 am GMT
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FORTEX INDUSTRIES Feed Saver Ring
$16.73

Great to use with buckets to discourage cribbing

11/03/2024 03:34 am GMT
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Hydrophane Cribox 8 oz. tub - 8Oz
$16.95

This thick paste discourages chewing

11/03/2024 02:09 am GMT
Bee Blanket Honey Heater, 5 gal Pail Heater with Cutout for Gate Valve
$155.00 $127.41

Keep your horse's water and noms warm this winter.

11/02/2024 11:03 pm GMT
Artificial Grass Turf Broom - Curved Bristle Broom
$28.99

This is the best broom for getting every last bit of shavings out of the barn aisle.

11/03/2024 01:08 am GMT
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Dura-Tech Schneiders Deluxe Dura-Mesh Stall Guard
$94.99

Let your horse have the best view with this spiffy stall guard!

11/03/2024 04:33 am GMT
HayPlay Slow Feed Bag XL GG Equine

One side of this innovative slow feeder is solid - perfect for pastures! It will hold a small bale of hay.


Use code 15PROEQUINE for sitewide savings on slow feeders and more.

HayPlay Slow Feed Bag GG Equine - 2 sizes available

2 sizes of this slow-feeding hanging hay toy - snack size holds a few flakes, and the half size holds 1/2 bale. There's also an XL that ground feeds.


Use code 15PROEQUINE for sitewide savings on slow feeders and more.

Little Giant PDFE Dura Fork, Red
$58.39 $55.69

Now picking stalls can be more ergonomic.

11/03/2024 08:14 am GMT
Dura-Tech Big Basket Manure Fork - Holds More Than Standard Forks

Nothing says posh like a manure fork that holds more.

Gallagher one-handed gate latch
$15.49

This is the only latch that no horse can figure out. Unless your horse is a wizard.

11/03/2024 05:48 pm GMT
Toolwiz Magnetic Sweeper with Wheels, 50 Lbs Capacity
$72.97

You will be amazed at what the ground will throw at ya.

11/03/2024 03:41 am GMT

 

Thank you!

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