Most people realize how important good air quality is. Dust, mold, dirt, and ammonia can seriously impact your horse's respiratory health. Anytime your horse is kept in a confided space like a stall or indoor arena, you should consider the air quality. These tips will help you prepare a safe space!

Good Air Quality Tips

  • The bedding you choose can greatly influence the amount of dust in the air. Look for one low in dust and with a good absorption rate.
  • Not all straw is equal! Furthermore, there's more ammonia with straw compared to shavings.
  • Avoid fine flakes of shavings. You want to find larger flakes that don't break down into dust.
  • Paper and cardboard may produce the least amount of dust, but they don't absorb as well as shavings.
  • Consider alternatives like peat bedding, if your area offers it.
  • Ideally, you want rubber mats over crushed rock in your horse's stall.
  • Clay breaks down and turns dusty in time.
  • Seamless rubber flooring systems are expensive, but prevent urine from getting trapped underneath.
  • Dirt floors without mats is the worst option!
  • When cleaning stalls, turn your horses out or put them in a neighboring stall. Dust is usually stirred up when mucking.
  • If possible, allow the stall to completely dry out before putting your horse back or adding new shavings.
  • Overhead hay lofts can cause lots of dust to be in the air.
  • You want a fully vaulted ceiling, ideally.
  • Replace solid stall fronts with mesh options to allow more air flow.
  • Keep windows and vented doors open to prevent ventilation problems.

Poor air quality can affect your horse's performance. It can also cause equine asthma and other respiratory conditions. By doing some of these recommended tips, you can keep your horse feeling their best!

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