Wash Bay 101

by Lisa Kiley – Published in The Horsemen’s Corral August 2021 page 58

By this time of the summer, it’s pretty likely that your horse has had more than a few baths this season.  Anyone who has their horses at home will recognize that having a spot for washing horses in preparation for a show, rinse off after a schooling ride, or cold hose stocked up legs, is nearly essential.  Without a proper wash bay, trying to wash your horse outside of the barn can turn into a muddy mess in a short amount of time. This quickly becomes an eyesore and potential unsafe situation for you and your horse. 

When designing a wash area for your horse, no matter if it is interior or exterior, there are a few things to consider that will make the space functional and safe for years to come.  Primarily, location, size, flooring and the right accessories will make all the difference in making this a worthwhile investment for your home barn. 

So, what are the different elements that go into making a great wash area?

Wash Bay Location: 

If you are doing a new build, you will have the luxury of situating the wash bay where it will work best for your barn plans. This is usually the time when you can decide if you will be planning on having hot water in the barn as well.  Although a retro-fit is not impossible, it is a good idea to get some professional advice when setting up an interior space for a wash area so it functions properly. 

With an exterior wash bay set up, location is still a primary focus.  You will need to be close enough to a water connection to make it convenient to get a hose to the area.  Look for a higher spot when picking a location, this will make drainage easier to manage.  Creating a natural buffer of vegetation around the wash area is a great way to absorb some of the runoff and prevent it from making its way to nearby waterways.  Just make sure the plants around the space are horse friendly. 

Space & Materials:

For the safety of the horse, a 12’x12’ area is ideal, especially if using solid walls.  A horse can feel cramped and anxious to enter if the space is any smaller and this also gives plenty of room for the handler to move safely around the horse. 

Concrete is an excellent choice for both interior and exterior wash bays but it can be slick when wet. Adding solid or wash mats will create a safe non-slip flooring for you and the horse.  Mats over a crushed rock base can also work well for outdoor wash areas. 

When it comes to interior spaces, the walls should be waterproof and durable to hold up to water being sprayed on the surface constantly.  A good seal will help prevent the area from harboring mold and mildew, but the area should still be monitored and cleaned frequently to help prevent these issues. 

Wash Bay Lighting: 

When it comes to interior spaces, a wash area with light colors on the walls will make it more appealing for the horse to come into the space. It can also make it easier to see what you are doing.  However, if you want to make the most of the space, good, safe lighting is important.  Lighting needs to be fully sealed and waterproof.  Lighting on either side of the bay will prevent shadows unlike overhead lighting. This will make it much easier to ensure that you are accomplishing the job of getting your horse as clean as possible. 

Create an Inviting and Functional Space: 

Ensure that areas for tying are secure and safe.  Cross ties can work great, but it may be handy to have tie rings available as well.  Having flexibility can be an asset for the space to accommodate the most horses in the safest way.  No matter how you tie your horse, make sure that you always use a slip knot or quick release snap.

A good quality hose is less likely to split, kink, or crack and worth the investment. A heavy-duty nozzle that can hold up to the rigors of daily use is also important.  Installing a hose boom can be a game changer, keeping the hose up off the ground. Storage for shampoos, conditioners and other supplies can be very helpful, saving the time and hassle of bringing what you need to the wash bay each time. 

Make clean up easy by putting a muck tub, manure fork, and broom near the wash bay.  If you are in a busy barn it might be worth it to put up a sign reminding people to clean up after their horses.  Manure and hair that gets washed down the drain can create a clogging nightmare, so keeping the area tidy is critical.  Keeping supplies nearby to make this easy is a great way to encourage clean-up compliance. 

It’s not too late in the season to get some good use out of a wash bay this year and you will be happy that you invested in creating this useful space for years to come.