engineering an air flow system that reduces risk and cost is a relatively straightforward process. It’s called Natural Ventilation, and the core principle isn’t altogether complex. It’s as simple as remembering, “Heat Rises”. The difficulty lies in building your horse stables to ensure all of the moist, unsavory air has a place to escape, while fresh, healthy air is drawn into the barn continually. VERTICAL AIR FLOW Upward ventilation is the goal. Some mechanical systems, like power exhaust fans, move air laterally across the space in a barn. Horizontal air flow raises the risk of disbursing fumes, gases and pathogens from stall to stall. Vertical Flow Ventilation, however, greatly reduces moisture and contamination – lifting dirty air up and out of vents. This is where Barn Roof Pitch becomes a key construction consideration; space and stall size determine the pitch of the barn’s roof, maintaining a clear upward path for air exchange. BUILDING ORIENTATION It’s impossible to achieve optimal Natural Ventilation without the proper building orientation. The length of the building should be perpendicular to the prevailing wind. You don’t want to obstruct the movement of fresh air. If, however, certain structures or objects are within a distance of 10x the height of the barn’s ridge peak, and they can’t be removed – it’s best to set up a mechanical ventilation system. VENTS AND DOORS Adding doors, windows and other vents that open easily will allow air to move freely throughout your barn. Place doors on opposite sides of the barn, with only a few solid walls between them. Installing latching Dutch doors on the outer walls of your horse stalls allows outside air to enter the stable, and also
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