A horse barn is a home for your horses. Just like humans want well-lit houses, so do these majestic animals. For those who know what it means to have a horse barn, they know how important it is to keep their barn well-lit and comfortable for their horses.
Lighting is paramount for horses to live in their barn comfortably and for humans to work in and around the barn. It is essential to keep all the stalls, the aisles, walkways and storage well-lit in your horse barn. Also, the place where the hay is kept should be adequately illuminated to avoid rodents or bugs and for safety purposes
When it comes to your horse barn interior, proper lighting is key. Having a well-lit barn not only means that you’ll be able to see and work in your barn at all times of the day, but your horses will also be more content and comfortable. Keep reading to learn more about how to provide the best lighting for your horse barn.
Key Things to Consider When Choosing Horse Barns
- Type of Lights
The type of lights used in horse barns will differ from those you use in your home. Barn lights are generally commercial grade and specially designed to meet the light requirement of an agricultural structure.
- Heat Generation of Lights
Avoid using halogen lights or focused lights in the barn. Halogen lights can get very hot, and, therefore may be a fire risk. Fluorescent lights are more commonly used since they provide equal distribution of light within the barn. If your area gets extreme temperatures, either very hot or very cold, special consideration will need to be paid when choosing your lighting.
- Installation
Whenever placing lighting in an area with animals, be sure to place the light bulbs at a proper distance to provide adequate lighting without casting shadows. Also be sure to encase the lightbulbs in a metal frame or case to prevent the animals from tampering with the electrical components and possibly hurting themselves.
Electrical switches must be of industrial grade quality and moisture-proof to prevent shocks and other hazards. Install all switches where they are easily accessible to barn keepers but out of reach of your horses.
- Proper Power Supply
The lights used must be of adequate voltage for the area of coverage. Voltage that is too high can cause glare or cast shadows; while voltage that is too low can cause visibility and safety issues.
Horse Barn Lighting Choices
When choosing a type of lighting fixture for your horse shelter, there are a few options to consider.
- LED Fixtures
LED lights have become the most popular choice due to their high-performance level, energy efficiency and long lifespan. LED fixtures are also extremely low maintenance. Using LED light fixtures means you likely will not have to replace the lights in your barn for many years, if ever.
- Vapor Proof Fixtures
Vapor proof fixtures are lights that are enclosed in a vapor-tight housing. These fixtures are great for situations in which the light source and wiring need to be well-protected. Vapor proof lighting is also a fitting choice for horse barns with damp or dusty conditions.
- Natural Light
The most important type of light you can provide in your barn is natural light. Not only is natural light cost efficient, it’s the most pleasant type of lighting for both you and your horses. The best way to take advantage of natural light in your barn is to use clear materials instead of solid paneling wherever possible. This can be achieved by adding acrylic panels to barn doors and eaves or incorporating skylights into the roof.
How to Choose the Best Horse Barn Lights
In order to ensure you pick the best lights for your horse barn, take the following things into account.
- Safety
The safety of your horses should always be your top priority. Whenever putting electricity near animals, you want to be sure that there are no exposed wires within their reach. You also want to be sure that the lighting you choose does not generate a dangerous amount of heat as they can quickly cause a fire, especially during hot weather. Keep bulbs and wires away from hay and debris. Also, be sure that your lightbulbs are protected against flying particles and dust.
- Energy Efficiency
Barn lights tend to get used quite often, so be sure to choose energy efficient lights and bulbs to keep your electric bill within a manageable range. Despite their power and size, some horse barn lights are surprisingly energy efficient. In fact, some can reduce energy consumption by over 50 percent, which makes a big difference when it comes to your utility bills.
- Light Output and Coverage
The balance between light coverage and energy efficiency can be difficult one. A dimly lit barn is not worth the money saved in energy costs since too little light makes working in the barn more difficult and poses risks to yourself and the animals. Having quality lighting is worth the extra bit of money spent up front.
- Ease of Installation
Some horse barn lighting can be difficult to set up. If you are not experienced with installing light fixtures, you will want to purchase lighting that is easy to install on your own or opt for a professional to install them for you.
- Fewer Shadows and Glares
Some lower-quality barn lights will give off a glare that makes working inside your barn more difficult and less enjoyable. Similarly, if a light is not bright enough, it can cast shadows across your barn that can distract your horses and make your time in the barn less efficient.
- Time to “Heat Up”
Standing around waiting for the lights in your barn to warm up is a frustrating waste of time. To eliminate this problem, purchase lights with instant-on features. That way, your barn will be illuminated as soon as you flip the switch.
How Lighting Affects Horse Behavior in the Barn
Animal experts have revealed through study that horses cannot judge shadows and glare. They quickly get distracted by them, leading to possible unbalanced or violent behavior due to anxiety. If not rectified, this may cause harm to the animals and could cause injury to people working in the barn around them. This is the reason you have seen horses wearing eye shields, as these shields prevent horses from looking at their shadow or light glares and getting distracted or spooked.
The Castlebrook Difference
Castlebrook’s barns have a warm, inviting look which adds to the beauty and value of your property. All Castlebrook barns, round pens and round pen covers and designed and manufactured on site at Castlebrook’s facility. That is why we can provide you almost limitless choice of sizes and styles. Castlebrook can manufacture a house barn, round pen or round pen cover to suit your exact needs.
Castlebrook never misses a ship date. We are so confident in our on-time guarantee that we are willing to guarantee it — in writing! Castlebrook understands how important it is for your project to go as smoothly as possible. This begins with your structure shipping on the date we’ve promised. Castlebrook knows of absolutely no other barn company offering this guarantee. Where other companies disappoint, Castlebrook guarantees to be on time, every time!
Please contact our professional team today at 1-800-52-BARNS. We gladly accommodate Saturday appointments!
