Newsletter: December 2009

Here at Lucas Equine Equipment, we've been getting a lot of questions about hardware lately. So, we've focused this month's note around hardware and other small updates you can make to your barn to get the most out of the time you spend there.

Easy Steps to Improve Stall Performance

Dream Barns on a Budget

Ergonomics in Your Barn

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Ergonomic Considerations for Your Barn.
Ergonomics is such a buzz word today. But, what does it really mean in terms of your regular activities inside your horse barn? According to Wikipedia, ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

There are a few steps you can take to improve the ergonomic conditions of your barn. The ultimate result will be reduced injuries and strains, and a more efficient work environment.

Utilize single-hand latches. There are a few types of latches (and other hardware) that are specifically designed to be operated with one hand. Since you always have one hand busy when leading a horse into a stall, choose latches - such as a pinlock style - that can be opened or closed with one free hand.

Install easy-close doors. Select stall doors and exterior doors that are designed for easy open and close operation and constructed to be well-fitting. When selecting stalls, look for doors that have full-length hinges designed to hold the door level and allow it to swing easily.

Create task-specific areas. When arranging your barn, think about the tasks you'll be doing. By placing flip-down saddle racks(especially ones that can be flipped up and down with one hand) near the area where you tack up your horse, you'll help maximize your functional space after this task is done. Outfit wash areas with hooks for brushes, tie rings and maybe even integrated water systems to eliminate unnecessary back and forth or strain.

Easy Steps to Improve Horse Stall Performance

Stall maintenance is always a hot topic. After all, your stall equipment is definitely a long-term investment. That's why it's important to make sure you install doors and stall fronts that are designed and constructed to be durable and long-lasting. You can improve the long-term performance of any stall equipment by considering a few key points.

Don't skimp on tracks or rollers. Sliding stall and exterior doors are popular and useful. They eliminate the traffic and safety issues of doors that swing into aisleways. But, using lower quality track systems or rollers can result in doors that are difficult to open and close or easily come off their track. Insist on heavy-duty track with a self-cleaning design. In addition, Delrin rollers will withstand day-in and day-out use. Don't continue to struggle with doors that don't function easily. You can upgrade the track system on your current doors with little effort.

Install door glides and guides that help protect your finish. Specially designed door glides and guides with Delrin or polyethylene rollers help maintain an easy glide, while also reducing the wear or rubbing often associated with metal door guides.

Remember the best ways to clean your stall equipment. To maintain a good finish, it's important to regularly clean your stall equipment. But, be mindful of how you clean your stall equipment and what cleaners you use. Never pressure-wash wooden stalls. The intense pressure can degrade the wood, leading to weakened materials. When cleaning steel stalls, use water and a mild dishwashing liquid. Never use abrasive cleaners, ammonia or TSP. Clean with a soft cloth, and never with wire brushes or steel wool.

You can incorporate the hardware and cleaning practices mentioned above with your current stalls to help protect your stall equipment investment, and keep a beautiful barn for years to come.

What is Delrin anyway?

Delrin is the trade name for polyoxymethylene, which is an extremely durable thermoplastic that offers low-friction movement and eliminates water absorption. Because of its durability, Delrin is used in many types of Lucas Equine Equipment door carriers, door guides and rollers.

Dream Barns on a Budget.

We all have a dream barn pictured in our heads, right? You know the one: beautiful, with all the bells and whistles. There are many ways to give your barn or horse stalls a facelift, without a huge investment in time or money. If you're dreaming of a makeover for your barn, check out some of the easy opportunities listed below.

Brass or stainless steel nameplates. Polished and lacquered solid brass or stainless steel nameplates can be installed in just a few minutes and truly personalize your stall front. Use these nameplates to bring in the warm brass tones in your barn or the professional-look of stainless steel.

High quality door pulls. Upgrading your door pulls can make a significant difference in the look of your barn. Door pulls are as important to your barn as shoes are to your outfit. Look for door pulls with concealed mounting for a seamless style. Select a finish - such as solid brass, oil-rubbed bronze or stainless steel - that matches the style of your "dream barn."

Custom arches or finials. Custom add-ons such as arches over stall doors or brass ball finials can be designed to attach to your current equipment. However, if you're working with pre-existing equipment, make sure you consult a stall design expert (like those of us at Lucas Equine Equipment) with experience creating custom add-ons. Otherwise, you can end up with ill-fitting elements that lack a seamless look.

Lucas Equine Equipment design experts can create decorative elements that give your barn a high-end look for less than you may think. You can request a quote from Lucas Equine Equipment on any of these types of updates for your stalls by calling 888-577-6920.