DUSTY CHORE WARNING

It’s the end of a long, busy day at the barn and all the horses are tucked into their stalls for the night. Your plan is to sweep the aisleway and then call it a day. Stop. Drop the broom and leave it until after turnout tomorrow.

Any activity that stirs up dust poses a risk to your horse’s respiratory health, and sweeping is one of several barn chores that is best left for times when there are no horses around. Using a leaf blower to clear the aisle is even more detrimental. Other chores to skip when horses are in the area include stacking hay, re-bedding stalls and sweeping cobwebs from stall bars and rafters.

If it’s logistically impossible to remove all the horses before doing any of these jobs, at least move those who have a history of heaves or other respiratory disorders. You can also mist down the area prior to sweeping or bedding stalls to reduce the amount of dust that is stirred up. It’s also a good idea to wear a dustblocking mask yourself to keep your own lungs safe.