Horse Stable Types
Wash Down Area

Wash Down Area
This is an area where you can safely wash your horse off after exercise, for show preparation or just general stable management. There are certain criteria that will ensure that the area is safe and efficient to use such as flooring, positioning, hose unit, fixtures and access.

Specifications:

Flooring
Wash down areas need to be safe to use all year round. The flooring must be non slip and easy to clean and disinfect. Rubber matting is an ideal solution as it offers a sound surface. Avoid surfaces that are not level as they are not so free draining
Enclosed Area
By choosing a wash down area that is enclosed and undercover will provide you with a quieter wash down area that can be used all year round, no matter what the weather outside is doing.
Draining
The floor surface needs to offer excellent drainage so that pools of water do not end up being collected and so that the area can easily be cleaned out and disinfected.
Positioning
Your wash down area needs to be positioned close to the stable yard so that once the horse has been washed down they can then continue on to the their stable, tying up ring or onto solarium unit to dry off.
Hose Unit
The hose that you use needs to be easy to use. Overhead hose units are an excellent choice as the hose is kept off the floor and is less likely to be trodden on or get tangled up. Other alternatives are self recoil hoses that allow you to alter the length of the hose depending on the area that is being hosed down.

Wash Down Area Specifications Continued...

Water Pressure
Different spray nozzles allow you to alter the intensity of the water coming out, which some horses prefer on different parts of their body.
Water Temperature
Cold and warm water should be available all year round so that the water temperature can be adjusted depending on the area that is being hosed off, for example you may need to fully bath a horse off with warm water after a strenuous exercise session or just use cold water to hose off a foreleg.
Equipment
The wash down area equipment must be easy to use as not all horses stand quietly to be hosed off so choose equipment that is hard wearing and practical. The horses wash down equipment should be kept close by so that it can be easily used and put away.
Fixtures
Within the wash down area there should be a tying up ring and rug rack to hang up any rugs that you may wish to put straight onto the horse after being washed down.
Access
Easy access to the wash down area is essential so that horses can be quickly and efficiently washed and dryed off. Ensure that the wash down area is large enough to be able to safely wash different sizes of horses. And in a secure location so that you can wash down without too many distractions.

Horse Stable Types Wash Down Area

Horse Stable Types
Wash Down Area