>>>> AND ensure that the lighting is bright enough for a vet or farrier. We >>>> have about a 12 x 12 stall in our little barn and that seems large enough >>>> for a farrier to work, but the lighting in there is awful. We have extra >>>> work lights plugged into each corner, and it still seems dark.
We put a standard, wall-mount type "porch" fixture in front of each stall, one that takes a 100-watt bulb. Then, up higher on the front wall, we put a floodlight type fixture, that fills in the areas that the individual stall lights miss. I also put an electrical outlet at each stall - good for plugging in clippers, the vet's ultrasound machine, stall fans, shop vacs, whatever... My light fixtures were NOT expensive, but they are cute and they do a great job. I also don't have a "ceiling" over the stalls, and I had four (I think - I should go double check the number) "skylights" put in the roof. They aren't exactly skylights, but are the clear corrugated panels much like the metal roofing material. I really don't need lights in the barn during the day for normal stuff - only for special needs and at night. This isn't just for light though - it really keeps the air circulating and that helps avoid breathing problems when the horses have to stay in for a while. Another thing - check your cell phone coverage carefully where you're barn will be. If it's spotty or questionable at all, considering running an extension phone from your house to the barn, so you can have a cordless handy. It won't cost much while they are running electrical lines anyway. Having a phone at the barn may sound like a luxury, but believe me, if you are ever waiting for the vet to call back and you have a colicky horse, or a mare with a problem delivery, you'll want a phone where you can see/touch the horse while you talk. And remember, inside the barn, cell coverage may not be quite as strong as in an open field. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.30/1030 - Release Date: 9/25/2007 8:02 AM
