On Pinterest, there are 48 bay wash ideas. There is the DIY water hose storage/cleaning station, Tack Room Storage by Tack Racks Plus, Equestrian Buildings-RAM Building, Stable Style: Bridlebourne Stables/ Horses& Heels, barn racks, outdoor wash racks, barns with stables, grooming bays. Click on the link to get more information.
The wash areas in stables should be 8 feet wide and 10-12 feet deep. There should also be a solid wall or a pipe rail behind the horse.
Image by wal_172619
According to Barnmice Equestrian Social Community, horse wash bays should have floors with good traction, as the floors can get slippery. Rubber button mats are ideal and they can last for years. The raised mats offer more grip than the standard rubber mats. If you get on their blog you will see that they have 6 steps for installing the perfect wash bay.
- Install adequate drainage. The bay’s drain should be connected to the barn’s sewer system. And the drain should have a cover to catch the debris.
- Maximize traction with rubber button mats.
- Install a water heater.
- Ensure there is adequate lighting. You should get waterproof fluorescent overhead lights.
- Use an overhead hose hanger. This is safer and easier as you sand the horse won’t be stepping on the hose as you bathe him.
- Install heaters for year-round use. Solaria Alpha Series heaters are the best. Classic Equine Equipment is the carrier.
Classic Equine Equipment custom designs wash bay areas to fit your needs. They offer simple tie posts to complete wash bays for multiple horses. They provide button mats, over-the-top washers, stainless steel rotating wash wands, wash bay heaters, wash bay lighting, and grooming stalls. They have a knowledgeable staff that can answer all of your questions.
Horses need a lot of care every day. It’s very important to have a well-designed wash bay area. The more you are willing to spend money upfront, the better off you will be.
Here is an outlined plan:
- Location. It is best to have it located near restroom and laundry facilities as the plumbing is already hooked up.
- Water and hoses. You should have a frost-free hydrant for cold weather, heavy-duty hoses, an overhead hose boom, and a hose reel.
- Hot water. Consider a tankless heater which may require a gas line.
- Water, electricity, and safety. Make sure electricity is installed by a licensed electrician since mixing water and electricity could be dangerous.
- Give them room. The bays should be 8 feet wide and 10-12 feet deep.
- Proper drainage
- Runoff. You should either recycle the water or drain it into the septic system.
- Construction. Consider a concrete slab as these are easier for horses to stand on. Keep it covered with rubber button mats.
- Railing and tie posts. They should be 3 inches in diameter and made of heavy wall galvanized steel.
- Storage. You should use inexpensive plastic containers for all of your grooming supplies.
