December 2025
(adapted from an original article written by Lisa Kiley that was published in The Horsemen’s Corral Magazine December 2019)
As winter settles in, many horse owners find themselves managing more stall time for their horses. While some horses don’t mind the shelter and routine, others may become restless when confined for longer periods. Regardless of your horse’s preferences, there are several things you can do to ensure their stall is a clean, healthy, and enriching environment throughout the cold season.
Ventilation: Keeping Air Fresh Without a Chill
It’s natural to want to close the barn tightly during frigid temperatures, but a sealed barn can trap harmful dust, ammonia, and moisture, all of which can negatively impact your horse’s respiratory health. Good barn ventilation allows stale air to escape while avoiding direct drafts on your horses.
Installing ventilation strips under the eaves or incorporating a ridge vent along the roofline can help maintain fresh airflow. Within the barn, consider options that promote airflow between stalls, such as stall fronts with bars, like Cashmans’ Aluminum Horse Stalls, and Stall Gates, that promote better air circulation between stalls without sacrificing strength or aesthetics, but also allow horses to see out and socialize – a win for both health and behavior.
Don’t forget the importance of daily turnout or hand-walking to give your horse fresh air and stimulation.
- GOOD: Stall Guards
- BETTER: Standard Stall Gates
- BEST: Elite Stall Gates
Stall Size: Give Them Room to Move and Rest
A comfortable stall provides enough room for your horse to move, lie down, and rise safely. A standard 12’x12’ stall suits most average-sized horses. Smaller horses or ponies may do well in 10’x10’ or 12’x10’ stalls, while larger breeds or horses that spend most of their time indoors may benefit from a 14’x14’ or even 16’x16’ space.
For those looking to build or renovate quickly, Modular Aluminum Stalls are a great option, available in 10′ and 12′ sections. These offer a quick and easy way to create stall spaces with minimal setup.
However, if you’re looking for maximum flexibility in stall dimensions and configurations, we recommend exploring Cashmans Aluminum Horse Stalls. These stalls allow for a broader range of sizing and layout options, making them ideal for custom barns and horses with specific space needs.
- GOOD: Corral Panels (flexibility, temporary, use other places later)
- BETTER: Modular (ease of install, limited to 10’ or 12’, no adjustments)
- BEST: Aluminum (way more flexibility, just as strong, no rust)
Stall Flooring: A Solid Foundation for Comfort and Cleanliness
Stall flooring plays a critical role in your horse’s comfort, especially during winter. A level base with proper drainage beneath stall mats ensures easier cleaning and a dry surface.
Cashmans’ 4′ x 6′ Rubber Stall Mats offer year-round durability, insulation from cold ground, and cushioning underfoot. Now through the end of January 2026, get a $5 rebate on every 2nd quality mat purchased, making this the perfect time to upgrade your flooring.
Daily cleaning is a must to reduce ammonia odors, moisture buildup, and bacterial growth. Add a high-quality, kiln-dried pine bedding for absorption and warmth, and consider a stall deodorizer for extra odor control.
- GOOD: Second Quality Stall Mats
- BETTER: First Quality Stall Mats
- BEST: Interlocking Stall Mats
Fresh Water: Preventing Freezing Without Compromise
Hydration remains essential year-round. In winter, however, freezing temperatures can make it harder to keep water available. Thermal Insulated Water Buckets are an excellent option that keeps water from freezing without requiring electricity.
For barns using electric tank heaters or heated buckets, always ensure proper grounding and placement to avoid accidents. Safety should always come first when mixing moisture and electricity.
- GOOD: Heated Buckets & Tank De-icers (ice free)
- BETTER: Thermal Buckets (ice free & electric free)
- BEST: Automatic Waterers
Feeding for Warmth and Mental Engagement
Cold weather increases your horse’s caloric needs, especially in terms of forage. Feeding more hay during cold spells helps maintain body temperature through digestion. Since shaggy coats and blankets can hide weight loss, it’s smart to check body condition regularly.
To help your horse eat more naturally and reduce waste, the Hay Optimizer is a smart solution. It encourages slow, natural feeding while keeping hay contained and off the ground.
Other great options for hay management include the Stall Grazer 3-in-1 Feeder, which allows horses to eat in a natural head-down position, and the Web Hay Feeder, which slows down hay consumption and limits waste.
Feeding smaller portions more frequently throughout the day can support better digestion and help relieve stress from confinement.
- GOOD: Web Hay Bags (easy to load and slows consumption)
- BETTER: Stall Grazer (mimics natural grazing)
- BEST: Hay Optimizer (stall or pasture options)
Stall Enrichment: Keeping Minds Engaged
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical comfort, especially when turnout is limited. Boredom can lead to unwanted behaviors like cribbing, weaving, or stall walking. Simple enrichment tools can make a big difference.
Add a Jolly Ball to the stall for safe play and engagement, or try treat-dispensing toys that reward curiosity. Horses are social animals. If possible, let them see their neighbors or hang their heads out of the stall door. Just be sure horses stabled side by side are compatible.
For more ideas, check out our blog: Boredom Busters and Enrichment for Horses
And of course, regular exercise remains key. If you’re unable to ride due to footing or weather, opt for hand-walking or groundwork sessions to keep muscles, and minds active.
Final Thoughts Creating a healthy, comfortable, and enriching stall environment is a gift you can give your horse this winter. With thoughtful planning and the right tools, from flooring and feeders to fresh air and fun, you can help your horse thrive even when the temperatures drop.
