Stable heaters are important equipment for keeping horses comfortable and healthy in cold environments:
I. Main types
1. Radiant heaters
– Infrared heaters:
– Principle: Heat is transferred by emitting infrared rays. Infrared rays can penetrate the air and are directly absorbed by the horse’s skin and fur, making the horse feel warm. This heating method is like sunlight, and the heat is generated from the inside of the horse’s body, making them feel comfortable.
– Advantages: The heating speed is relatively fast, and the local temperature of the stable can be increased in a short time; the area that needs to be heated can be accurately heated, such as the corner where the horse rests or the area where the foal is active; it will not make the air in the stable too dry, which is more friendly to the horse’s respiratory health.
– Disadvantages: The heating range is relatively limited. If the stable space is large, multiple heaters may be required to meet the needs; the price is generally high.
2. Convection heater
– Fan heater:
– Principle: Use a fan to blow out the heat generated by the heating element, so that the air in the stable forms a convection cycle, thereby increasing the temperature of the entire stable.
– Advantages: The heating range is wide, and it can heat up a large stable in a short time; some fan heaters are equipped with temperature control devices, which can adjust the temperature according to actual needs to maintain a suitable temperature environment in the stable; the price range is wide and there are many options.
– Disadvantages: It will generate a certain amount of noise during operation, which may interfere with some sensitive horses; long-term use may make the air in the stable dry, and it is necessary to pay attention to ventilation or use a humidifier.
2. Precautions for use
1. Temperature control
– Horses of different breeds, ages and health conditions have different requirements for temperature. Generally, the suitable ambient temperature for adult horses is around 4-25\\u2103, while foals require a higher temperature, usually between 15-30\\u2103. According to the actual situation, use tools such as thermometers to accurately control the temperature in the stable to avoid damage to the horse due to excessive or low temperatures.
2. Safety measures
– Prevent burns: For radiant heaters, pay attention to their installation height and angle to prevent horses from directly contacting high-temperature surfaces and getting burned. Generally speaking, there should be a safe distance of at least 1-1.5 meters from the horse’s activity area. For convection heaters, make sure that the air outlet is not blocked to prevent local overheating.
– Electrical safety: The heater’s wires should be placed in a place where horses cannot reach them to prevent them from being chewed and causing leakage accidents. Regularly check whether the heater’s wires, plugs and sockets are normal to ensure that they are safe and reliable. At the same time, in a humid environment such as a stable, choose a heater with good waterproof performance.
3. Ventilation problems
– Regardless of which heater is used, long-term heating may cause the air quality in the stable to deteriorate. Make sure the stable has a good ventilation system, such as installing ventilation windows or ventilation fans, so that fresh air can enter while keeping the stable warm to maintain good air quality.
