Winter Barn Basics: How to Keep Horses Dry and Comfortable

Winter brings cooler temperatures, wetter conditions, and fewer daylight hours—making stall and barn management more important than ever. During January, horses often spend more time indoors, which means moisture control, air quality, and daily maintenance can directly impact their health and comfort.

At Manning’s Feed & Seed, we know winter barn care is less about growth and more about consistency. Small daily habits during the colder months can make a big difference in keeping horses comfortable until spring arrives.

Choosing the Right Bedding for Moisture Control

Winter weather often means mud, rain, and damp hooves being tracked into stalls. Bedding plays a major role in keeping horses dry and reducing odors.

When choosing bedding for winter:

• Look for high absorbency to handle excess moisture

• Choose materials that are easy to spot clean daily

• Make sure bedding stays fluffed, not compacted, to improve airflow

  
  

Adequate bedding depth helps absorb urine, keeps horses insulated from cold ground, and reduces the likelihood of skin irritation or hoof issues caused by damp conditions.

Ventilation Without Drafts

Fresh air is essential in winter—even when temperatures drop. Poor ventilation can trap moisture, dust, and ammonia, while strong drafts can make horses uncomfortable.

Good winter ventilation tips:

• Keep vents or upper barn openings clear

• Allow air to circulate above stall height

• Avoid sealing barns completely “tight” for warmth

Proper airflow removes moisture and gases without chilling horses, helping support respiratory health throughout the season.

Reducing Ammonia Buildup

Ammonia odor is more than just unpleasant—it can irritate eyes, lungs, and airways for both horses and people. Winter barns are especially prone to build up because doors and windows stay closed more often.

To reduce ammonia:

• Remove wet spots daily, not just manure

• Refresh bedding regularly instead of piling new bedding on top

• Ensure ventilation is working even on cold days

If you smell ammonia, it’s already at a level that can affect your horse’s comfort. Extra Support for Ammonia Control: Stall Dry & Sweet PDZ

At Manning’s Feed & Seed, we carry two trusted products that make managing moisture and ammonia even easier during the winter months: Stall Dry and Sweet PDZ.

Both products are designed to be mixed directly into your stall bedding and shavings to:

• Absorb excess moisture

• Neutralize ammonia odors at the source

• Help keep stalls drier and more comfortable

• Support healthier air quality in enclosed barns

Stall Dry works quickly to pull moisture from wet areas, while Sweet PDZ is a natural mineral-based product that binds ammonia and helps control odors long-term. Used together with regular stall cleaning and good ventilation, these products can make a noticeable difference in keeping winter barns fresher and more comfortable for both horses and handlers.

If you’re noticing strong odors or damp stalls this season, adding Stall Dry or Sweet PDZ to your daily routine is a simple way to stay ahead of ammonia buildup.

Daily Stall Maintenance Tips for Winter

Consistent daily care makes winter stall management easier and more effective.

Helpful winter habits include:

• Picking stalls at least once daily

• Fluffing bedding to keep it dry and breathable

• Checking water buckets for spills or leaks

• Monitoring hooves for excess moisture and thrush

Staying ahead of moisture and odors helps prevent bigger issues later in the season.

A Comfortable Winter Barn Sets the Tone for Spring

Winter is a season focused on maintenance and observation. Clean, dry stalls and well-managed barns help support comfort, respiratory health, and overall wellbeing during the colder months.

If you have questions about winter bedding, feed, or stall care, the team at Manning’s Feed & Seed is always happy to help you find what works best for your horses and your setup.