Ventilation or draught ?

[ms]

Our stables are located on the side of a smallish valley, theres a bit of tree cover to one side but otherwise nothing to protect them from the wind. They're a wooden american barn type arrangement, two rows of stables with a central aisle and two end doors to the building- cool in summer and cosy in winter.
Ideal, except for when its windy and everyone has different ideas about what is ventilation and what is downright draughty !
Each stable has a big window which is open most of the time, but when its windy I always close mine as my stable is on the downside of the hill and the wind fair howls straight in. My thoughts are that my horse cannot get out of the draught, and as all of the windows on the upside of the hill are left open as its more sheltered, and the building is large and airey I feel that his stable is adequately ventilated. The other liveries on my side however insist on keeping their windows open whatever the weather, unless its actually raining/snowing in through the windows, saying that horses need fresh air circulating at all times, and as their horses are all rugged ( mines naked) its no different from being out in the field when its windy.
Just wondered what everyone here thought really ??

[sara]

My horse is in a barn with big double doors. Normally they are kept open, to give the horses ventilation, but in this weather they are closed. When it is very cold, or very very rainy they will be closed

[jes]

Mine is in a similar American Barn with windows to each stable and I always leave his window open, whatever the weather, although some of the others shut theirs, especially on the other side as the wind seems to blow in more.

My lad loves his window and spends a lot of time with his head out watching the world, even when it's raining or snowing! (When he's not eating that it!).

He has a MW rug, is unclipped and teeny bit overweight and is not at all cold.

I might think differently though if he was ungrugged, or if I had a fine TB, or if he was underweight.

[horsey123]

if he is cold i would put a fleese or waffle rug on him

if he is not cold then it would not bother me

mine live out so wouldent be much different

[rifleman]

I don't think it's quite the same when they're out in the field in windy weather. For one thing, they can move around more freely, which helps to keep them warm. For another, even if there's not a direct windbreak, such as a line of trees or a hedge, a slight change of slope or a dip on the field will create an eddy and a spot where the force of the wind is far less. Animals which live out are very smart at finding these shelter spots, which are sometimes only a few feet across - and know exactly which one to go for according to the precise direction of the wind.

In contrast, if a horse is in an enclosure, he may not be able to get away from a draught that he finds unpleasant.

Horses certainly need fresh air at all times - but I don't see that this needs to be in the form of a draught! In my experience, the sort of American barn layout you've described is pretty well ventilated - I think even better than a loose box, as the overall volume of air inside is huge, and the high roof allows exhaled air to drift steadily upwards towards the vents.

Best regards,

Jack

[ms]

up please

[jakeandbarneysmum]

I think in the circumstances you've described, I would do the same. If it makes you feel happier, even more reason to do it! Sounds like there's sufficient ventilation with your window closed.

[june]

I'd be inclined to close the window if it is blowing hard.

I've been thinking a bit about horses moving around to keep warm when outside. In my experience my horses just stand and look miserable if they are outside and cold. Even if they are shivering, which happens occasionally in summer when the weather suddenly turns cold, they still just stand there with their head down looking tucked up. I always take pity on them and rug them at that point! I guess I don't necessarily see the times when they've been running around to warm themselves up but it doesn't seem to be something I can rely on my lot doing.