Move the Air: Using Fans Safely & Effectively in a Horse Barn | Draw It Out®
Move the Air: Using Fans Safely & Effectively in a Horse Barn
By Jon Conklin • Updated • 7–9 min read
Heat, humidity, dust, ammonia—barn air can turn on you fast. The fix isn’t just “more fans,” it’s smarter airflow: the right equipment, placed right, wired right, and cleaned on schedule so horses stay comfortable and barns stay healthy.
Why Airflow Matters
Heat & humidity: Moving air speeds evaporation and helps horses shed heat after work.
Ammonia & dust: Air exchange reduces irritants from urine and bedding.
Mold & condensation: Flow limits damp corners where funk grows.
“Air that moves = horses that settle.”
Target: Aim for steady, gentle flow across horses’ bodies and 4–8 air changes per hour in enclosed spaces. Don’t turn stalls into wind tunnels.
Fan Types (Pros & Cons)
Ceiling / HVLS (High-Volume, Low-Speed)
Moves huge air quietly across aisles/arenas. Great coverage with lower perceived draft. Needs proper mounting and clearance.
Wall-mounted circulation fans
Good for stalls/aisles when angled correctly. Choose enclosed motor and guarded blades for dusty, hair-heavy environments.
Basket/box fans
Convenient but risky if not designed for ag use. Avoid open motors and flimsy guards in reach of noses/tails.
Exhaust fans
Pull hot, stale air out of lofts/wash racks. Pair with inlets so you’re not starving the barn for makeup air.
Placement Strategy
Height & angle: Mount above head height with guards. Angle across the body, not directly into eyes/nostrils.
Flow path: Create a one-way route: fresh air in, warm/dusty air out. Avoid fans fighting each other.
Aisles & wash racks: Use broad, gentle flow. In stalls, sweep across flank/chest rather than straight on the face.
Noise: Quieter is calmer. Excess noise raises heart rate and defeats the purpose.
Electrical & Fire Safety
Outdoor/Ag rating: Choose sealed/enclosed motors, heavy-duty cords, and grounded plugs. No household box fans hung with bailing twine.
Dedicated circuits & GFCI: Use proper outlets, avoid daisy-chained power strips, protect cords in conduit.
Secure mounts: Lag into structure, not thin sheathing. Use vibration-resistant hardware.
Clearances: Keep manes/tails/blankets well away from blades and grills.
Routine: Touch-test plugs and housings for heat during the first week of use. Warm = investigate; hot = shut down and replace.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Monthly (in season): Unplug, brush/vacuum grills and blades; dust kills airflow and overheats motors.
Quarterly: Check mounts, wiring, and vibration. Tighten hardware.
Filter the source: Better manure/urine management lowers dust/ammonia so fans aren’t just recirculating problems.
Winter Ventilation
Don’t seal the barn. Use low-speed circulation and cracked inlets to move moist air up and out while avoiding drafts. Dry air means fewer coughs and a better hair coat when work picks up.
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Absolutely love this. Every time I look at my wrist it gives me the strength to keep on going.
Cheyenne, thank you for sharing this.
That bracelet was created to stand for exactly what you described, choosing faith when fear gets loud. Knowing it gives you strength on hard days means more to us than you probably realize. We’re grateful you’re part of this story.
