Christmas and the other winter holidays are a source of joy. We often want to decorate our out-buildings along with our homes, if only so that our Christmas decorations can be seen from the road. Here are a few ways to decorate your barn for the holidays. We’ll also share tips for keeping everyone – including the horses – safe.
Wreaths
One of the simplest ways to decorate a barn by Prime Stables is hanging up a wreath or three. Hang them on the door. Now you have a holiday decoration up with relatively little effort. If you want to get the horses in on the holidays, give them an edible to them wreath made of hay. Another option is a holiday wreath made out of carrots. Note that this needs to be constructed with a secure wire frame so the horse doesn’t pull it down. Alternatively, you could hang a massive wreath from the top of the barn. People will be able to see that from the road.
Garlands and Other Hanging Decorations
The next level up would be adding garlands to your barn. You could hang the strings of greenery around the barn. This can be in addition to wreaths, or you can do it in place of any other decoration. Just don’t wrap the garlands in strings of lights unless you’re absolutely certain it isn’t a fire hazard. Avoid holly and mistletoe, since they’re toxic to horses. However, pine is safe.
If you’re not sure if the garlands are safe, hang up stockings for the horses instead. You could fill them with hay or horse treats. It is a light touch, and you can create something the horses themselves will enjoy. Or hang ribbons and bows around the barn. These only need to be up high enough that they aren’t a trip hazard. Keep all decorations out of reach of horses.
Lights
Horses don’t want spinning or noisy Christmas decorations. That will spook them and give them anxiety. This means you can’t put a blower driven inflatable snow globe or dancing lit up Santa inflatable in front of the barn. However, the horses are fine with tactful Christmas lights decorating the barn. These would be simple hanging lights around the edge of the roof and perhaps the door. Just be careful with your extension cords such as making certain they are acceptable for use outside. It doesn’t matter if the power cord is primarily located inside the barn – it isn’t as environmentally controlled as the inside of your home. Only use lights and power cords rated for outside use in and around a barn. And check the cords for excessive heat or sparks periodically. Turn off lights during the day to reduce the electrical hazard and save electricity.
Suppose you have lights and cords you can set up around the barn. Choose simple, on/off lights for your barn. Don’t have blinking lights that are shining in where the horses want to sleep. They’ll suffer as much as your neighbors, but they’re not able to complain about it.
Ornaments
Breyer makes beautiful horse ornaments every year to decorate your holiday tree on the farm. Collect horse ornaments of all kinds to create an equestrian style Christmas tree! You can even decorate some aluminum horse shoes in holly and garland to deck the tree with authentic equine accessories. Use some old leather tack and really create an original look for your barn!
