The Society for Engineering in Agricultural, Food and Biological Systems (ASAE) presented a well-research paper, Temperature and Humidity in Indoor Riding Arenas during Cold Weather. Researchers studied six arenas in Pennsylvania with the purpose of understanding indoor environmental conditions and how they affected horse health. Indoor arenas have humid environments due to arena workers "wetting the riding arena surface, or footing material, for dust control." This practice not only increases humidity -- which causes discomfort to horses and people but it also allows the growth of pathogens. Horses and people then breathe in microbes, molds, and fungi causing respiratory ailments in both.
In addition, the report's authors tell us that "ventilation might be one of the most overlooked requirements of horse facilities." Although much has been written on stable ventilation, not much exists on indoor horse arena ventilation.
Researchers studied six arenas. They concluded that "moisture from the large quantities of water used to dampen dust in the arena footing materials was thought to be a main contributor to the high indoor humidity rather than horse activity alone."
This is an excellent white paper. Owners or managers of horses for show or other competitive purposes would find it useful and informative.
Keep your horses and people cool and healthy by supplementing your natural ventilation system with HVLS fans. We've posted a number of articles about the benefits of HVLS fans and horse health:
Blue Apple Ranch Lowers Barn Temperatures 10 Degrees with HVLS Fans
Keep Your Horses Healthy with an HVLS Barn Fan
Wesleyan College Equestrian Center
If you'd like more information, give us a call! We'll show you how HVLS fans can help you reduce humidity. We'll also show you how HVLS fans can help keep respiratory illnesses at bay for your horses. We're happy to show you how HVLS fan technology offers multiple benefits - including lower energy costs!