Optimal Stable Climate: A Guide to Your Horse's Health and Well-being

A stable and healthy climate in the stable plays a key role in promoting the health and well-being of the animals. Poor air quality in stables is often responsible for respiratory diseases, which are the second most common cause of health problems in horses (right after musculoskeletal injuries). If a horse's airways are damaged, the healing process is often slow. Furthermore, affected horses require special long-term treatment regarding their feed and bedding.

To ensure an optimal stable climate for horse breeding in individual loose boxes, appropriate stable and climate management is essential. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the factors that ensure ideal conditions and provide you with valuable tips for guaranteeing a horse-friendly environment.

Contents

• Good Air in the Stable – What Does It Take?

• Types of Pollutants in the Stable

• Dust in the Stable

• Tips for a Healthy Climate: Five Practical Recommendations

• Summary: A Better Stable Climate Promotes Your Horses' Health

Good Air in the Stable – What Does It Take?

A number of aspects affect air quality and, therefore, directly impact the stable climate for horses – including dust content, humidity, air temperature and circulation, as well as the quality of bedding and feed.

Generally speaking: As descendants of steppe animals, domestic horses today need plenty of fresh air to feel good and stay healthy. Excessive levels of pollutants in the air can damage their airways due to horses' very sensitive respiratory systems. Pollution of the air with harmful gases, dust, microorganisms, such as pathogens, and especially molds plays a key role here.

Types of Pollutants in the Stable

• Harmful Gases: Although carbon dioxide (CO₂) is not a harmful gas per se, it is a good indicator of air quality. A poor stable climate is characterized by an excessively high concentration of CO₂, i.e., too much "stale" air. Ammonia is the main harmful gas in stables. This harmful gas can cause mucus buildup in the lower airways, reduced clearance (self-cleaning mechanism) of the bronchi, and an increased risk of infection. The highest concentration is found near the floor, usually just above the bedding – exactly where horses spend most of their time with their noses.

• Microorganisms: In addition to harmful gases, stable air also contains microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, for example molds. Molds are particularly relevant for respiratory diseases.

Dust in the Stable

Dust also plays a key role in terms of the stable climate. It is highly dependent on the time of day and varies according to the organization and intensity of work. Changes that can be made to reduce dust are in the areas of management, roughage, and bedding.

Stable dust is usually considered to be very fine, solid particles of various sizes. The harmful effect depends on how deeply the dust can penetrate into the airways. Tiny dust particles can remain airborne for up to 100 minutes before finally settling on the floor. This should be kept in mind, especially when shaking up hay and bedding. Dust formation cannot be completely avoided, but it can certainly be reduced.

Tips for a Healthy Climate: Five Practical Recommendations

1. Ensure Regular Ventilation: Regular ventilation ensures a constant exchange of air in the stable, thereby reducing dust. Whenever possible, windows and doors should always be kept open. The optimum humidity level is between 60 and 80%.

2. Muck Out Daily to Prevent Harmful Gas Buildup: Manure and urine should be removed from the loose box daily. Regular cleaning of the stable prevents not only respiratory diseases but also hoof diseases.

3. Take Horses Outside, Minimize Dust: Whenever possible, horses should be kept outside the stable during stable work. It is also advisable to water the stable aisle before sweeping it.

4. Pay Attention to Feed Quality: Mold growth has a negative impact on both feed quality and the optimal stable climate. Therefore, it would be wise to store roughage away from the animals if possible.

5. Ensure High-Quality Bedding: Always ensure that the bedding is of high quality and only use hygienic bedding suited to your horse.

Summary: A Better Stable Climate Promotes Your Horses' Health

A good stable climate is crucial for the health and well-being of horses. A range of measures can be taken to ensure an optimal stable climate. These include regular ventilation, daily mucking out of the boxes, storing feed and bedding in suitable locations, and using high-quality, hygienic bedding. Consistent implementation of these measures helps ensure a good stable climate. It enhances your horses' well-being and reduces the risk of respiratory diseases.

Rubber stable mats for boxes can also contribute to a healthy stable climate, as they reduce the amount of bedding required and make daily cleaning tasks easier.