Horse Stable Lighting: How to Safely Light Your Stall

Horse stalls, stable, storage, and aisle lighting should be sufficient, safe, and energy efficient. Access Fixtures offers a wide range of options for horse stable lighting in equine facilities, each of which considers the many location-specific challenges. For example, selecting appropriate fixtures for horse barn lighting based on ceiling height is crucial. High bay fixtures are suitable for barns with ceilings over 20 feet, while low bay lights work better for lower ceilings, ensuring effective illumination and energy efficiency in horse stalls and larger open areas. All fixtures located in stables should remain cool at all times to ensure the safety of the horses; high-performing, stable-quality horse stall lights are essential for correctly illuminating stables and aisles. A reliable system is important in all seasons, most notably during dark, winter days when visibility is poor.

When lighting a horse stall or stable, it is also important to consider vet visits, which sometimes need to happen at difficult times of day or night. Your veterinarian may need to attend to a horse in the middle of the night, so the last thing they should have to do is hold a flashlight or rely on insufficient lighting. Having a correct lighting system in place will mean the vet can do his or her job and the horse can receive the care it needs without delay or distraction.

Choosing the Right Lighting Fixtures

Choosing the right lighting fixtures for your horse stable is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of your horses. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which fixtures to choose. Here are some factors to consider when selecting lighting fixtures for your stable:

• Light Output: The amount of light needed in a stable is paramount. LED fixtures are a popular choice as they provide high light output while being energy efficient. This ensures that every corner of your stable is well-lit, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall visibility.
• Durability: Stables are environments that can be harsh on lighting fixtures due to dust, moisture, and physical impacts. Therefore, it’s essential to choose fixtures that are durable and can withstand these conditions. Look for fixtures with a high IP rating, such as IP66, which provides protection against dust and water, ensuring longevity and reliability.
• Positioning: Proper positioning of lighting fixtures is key to achieving optimal illumination. Fixtures should be placed to avoid creating shadowy areas or glare, which can be unsettling for horses and dangerous for handlers. Consider installing fixtures at angles that distribute light evenly across the stable.
• Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient options, such as LED fixtures, are not only beneficial for reducing energy consumption but also for saving on costs. LEDs consume less power while providing superior light output, making them an economical and eco-friendly choice for stable lighting.
• Maintenance: In a busy stable environment, ease of maintenance is a significant consideration. Choose fixtures that are easy to clean and require minimal upkeep. LED fixtures, for instance, are virtually maintenance-free, reducing the time and effort needed to keep your lighting system in top condition.

By considering these factors, you can select the best lighting fixtures for your stable, ensuring a safe, well-lit environment for both horses and handlers.

Equine Lighting Safety Concerns

Selecting the incorrect fixtures for your stable can introduce the risk of serious damage (to the animals, the humans, and the building itself). Dust and hay kicked up by the animals and by vehicles, trainers, and spectators can easily collect on the fixtures; if they aren’t easily cleaned, they can become a hazard. Your fixtures must be rated for protection against flying dust and particulates, yes, but wouldn’t it be convenient to be able to simply spray them down with a hose? Consider the IP66 high bay fixtures explained below.

In the hot months of summer, there is a high risk of hay catching fire and damaging property or animals. Light sources like incandescent bulbs are not typically suited for agricultural use because they generate significant heat with very little protection. Even incandescent fixtures surrounded by cages or wire guards will not be enough to prevent the consequences of a shattered, overheated lamp. A fixture that breaks above a stable or stall will almost certainly land on the horse itself, which should be avoided.

Because of space limitations, installing a fixture directly inside or above a stall may not be feasible. It is important to leave sufficient distance between the ceiling or wall and the horse. That being said, you’ll also want to limit glare and shadows by selecting appropriate fixtures and installing them at the appropriate angles. If you can’t hang fixtures above the stall or place them high up on the wall itself, you can install them in the aisle outside the stall with a reflector to help direct the light. If that is not suitable for your space, an Access Fixtures lighting specialist will find a solution for your space requirements.

An EPTA linear LED fixture, IP67 rated.

Vapor-proof fixtures are enclosed in vapor-tight housings for applications such as stable lighting, where the light source and wiring need to be protected. Vapor-proof fixtures are used in properties that need excellent lighting for damp and dusty conditions. Their protective housings and designs make them ideal for illuminating horse stables. Stable lights, especially LED stable lights, offer advantages in terms of heat generation and energy efficiency, making them a superior choice over traditional bulbs.

While riding arenas, training areas, or dressage spaces usually require high-powered overhead lights that emit a bright light over the large area, areas used for grooming, washing, and boarding require a different breed of fixture. All stable fixtures should be enclosed so that horses cannot hit them and so they are not negatively affected by dust or water. Selecting an IP67-rated fixture such as the EPTA LED linear fixture will prevent glass shards from falling on top of horses. Its polycarbonate lens protects its LED light source and its IP67 rating means water and dust are no match for this incredible luminaire.

Consider using LED jelly jar fixtures to even out the light in aisles, dark corners, and even within the stalls themselves. LED lights are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, making them ideal for stable conditions.

Efficacy and rated lifetimes should also be a priority when selecting your stable and stall lighting fixtures. When compared to traditional arena lighting such as metal halides, LED fixtures exceed performance levels, rated life, and energy efficiency. In addition, LED fixtures are virtually maintenance-free, which is important considering the high-traffic nature of horse barns. Using LED fixtures means no lamp replacement, far less maintenance than HID, and more consistent performance over the life of the fixtures.

If the EPTA linear LED isn’t what you’re looking for, the HIIO LED High Bay is an excellent LED alternative. This luminaire offers exceptional performance with a 100,000-hour rated life. Better yet, the HIIO features a built-in heat sink and three choices of optics for a custom lighting experience.

Lighting the aisles of your horse stable is just as important as lighting the stalls themselves. The GAHL Wall Mount LED Jelly Jar Fixture is a perfect solution for aisle lighting that will allow ongoing work no matter what time of day. These GAHL multi-purpose wall mount LED vapor tight fixtures emit 4,400 light source lumens. This LED solution is efficient, reliable, and long-lasting; it is also available for surface mounting. Also note that this fixture has been tested for use in a stable area where moisture, dust, and debris are all inevitable. With no lead or mercury content and very little generated heat, this vapor-tight luminaire is ideally suited to illuminate the aisles and dark areas of your horse’s stable.

Alternatively, you can choose the similar GAHL LED Jelly Jar Light. This fixture is ideally suited to environments that experience harsh temperatures or physical abuse. The GAHL jelly jar is CSA listed for wet locations, IP66 rated for protection against the elements, and has been tested to operate between –40°F and 131°F. This fixture is an excellent choice if you are looking for an efficient, long-lasting, and affordable fixture to ensure the aisles in your horse stable have sufficient light. Call the Access Fixtures lighting team at 800-468-9925 to discuss jelly jar options for your facility today.

LEDs are the most popular choice in luminaires when it comes to stable lighting. LED fixtures are safe and outrageously efficient, and with the wide range of options from Access Fixtures, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect fixtures for your facility. While the upfront cost of LEDs has long been daunting, the ROI, energy savings, and minimal maintenance requirements almost always make LEDs far more lucrative than other light sources. LEDs are also directional, which means their light is sent straight to where you need it and very little is wasted elsewhere. For contractors and consumers alike, LED vapor-tight lights are now their first choice, specifically when it comes to stable lighting due to the reliability and performance of LEDs.

Still unsure? Check out the CANO vandal-resistant LED canopy light. This fixture is made with die-cast aluminum housing and stainless steel hardware and boasts an efficacy of over 100 lumens per watt. This fixture is perfect for use in gas stations, workshops, sheds, stairwells, and stables. Its prismatic glass lens eliminates the risk of broken glass and mercury. This is an important factor to consider when selecting fixtures for spaces close to animals. This luminaire is UL-listed for wet locations and is also made rebate-ready with its DLC listing. Want to learn more about these fixtures? Contact an Access Fixtures lighting specialist today.

Access Fixtures horse stall lighting is designed to offer a targeted and customized lighting solution for your stables. Unlike tennis or basketball courts, there is no “standard” horse stable; you may want to have Access Fixtures run a photometric analysis for your specific barn or stable. Our lighting specialists will map out a computer simulation of your space and can use software to add or remove fixtures from the layout. We can manipulate the type of fixtures, the quantity, the aiming angles, and more, all in the interest of providing you with a safe and suitable solution. Once the report is generated, a specialist will walk you through the results so you know exactly what you’ll be receiving.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Lighting

Energy-efficient lighting is a great way to reduce your energy consumption and save on costs. Here are some benefits of energy-efficient lighting for your horse stable:

• Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of energy-efficient lighting is the reduction in energy bills. Over time, the savings can be substantial, allowing you to allocate funds to other important areas of stable management.
• Longer Lifespan: Energy-efficient fixtures, such as LED fixtures, have a much longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting options. This means you’ll need to replace them less often, reducing the frequency and cost of replacements.
• Reduced Maintenance: Energy-efficient fixtures require less maintenance than traditional fixtures. LEDs, for example, are known for their durability and low maintenance needs, which means you’ll spend less time and money on upkeep, allowing you to focus more on your horses.
• Improved Safety: Consistent and reliable lighting is crucial for the safety of both horses and handlers. Energy-efficient lighting provides stable and dependable illumination, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer environment.
• Environmental Benefits: Choosing energy-efficient lighting is also a more environmentally friendly option. By reducing energy consumption, you’re helping to lower your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Incorporating energy-efficient lighting into your horse stable not only benefits your bottom line but also enhances the overall safety and sustainability of your facility.