Stable Lights: Energy-Efficient LED With a Focus on Animal Welfare

Which LED lighting is suitable for riding schools and cattle barns?

The right LED lighting for stables and outdoor barns provides an optimal balance between functionality, energy efficiency and animal welfare. By considering the fixture type, light colour and application, effective stable lighting is created that is suitable for both cattle and horses. Below are examples of LED lamps for stable lighting:

1.       LED high bays

For large, high spaces (such as riding arenas, riding halls and cattle sheds), LED high bays are the most commonly used solution. These fixtures are often used as warehouse lighting and form the basis of professional stable lighting for ceiling heights of approximately 6 metres or more.

Advantages of LED high bays:

• Energy-efficient alternative to traditional HPL and sodium lamps;
• Even illumination of large areas;
• Last up to 40 years with average use;
• Require little maintenance; and
• High light output (high amount of lumens).

Read more about lumens and what they mean in our blog.

2.       Splashproof LED fixtures for stables

Moisture, dust and ammonia are present in cow sheds and horse stables. Therefore, it is important to choose splashproof LED fixtures (with an IP65 rating or higher). These fixtures are resistant to all kinds of stable conditions and cleaning activities.

A commonly used option are splashproof fluorescent lights (line lighting), which are used above walkways, barn corridors and wash areas. The fluorescent lights provide evenly distributed light, are easy to install and require virtually no further maintenance.

In addition to functional stable lighting, lighting around the stable also plays an important role. It helps to safely and clearly illuminate the yard, while also adding extra atmosphere around the riding arena or stable buildings. For this purpose, outdoor wall lights are commonly used. These fixtures are designed to withstand weather conditions, provide sufficient visibility in the dark and contribute to a neat, professional appearance of the premises.

3.       Floodlights for feeders and specific zones

In addition to general line lighting, spot lighting in specific areas is important. LED floodlights are therefore often used. These can be used, for example, in, on or near:

• feeders;
• work zones;
• entrances and exits; and
• storage areas.

Floodlights provide focussed light where additional visibility is needed, without flooding the entire barn with bright light, increasing efficiency and simultaneously reducing energy consumption (and therefore lower energy bills). LED strips can also be an option along feeding troughs or to make entrances and exits more visible.

Spot lighting versus line lighting: What’s the difference?

A combination of spot and line lighting is often used for outdoor barn lights:

• Spot lighting consists of, for example, high bays and floodlights: focussed, powerful light for large spaces or specific zones.
• Line lighting, for example, consists of LED fluorescent lights: even light distribution in corridors and work areas.

By cleverly combining spot and line lighting, a functional lighting plan is created that is both practical and energy-efficient.

Which light colour is suitable for horses and cows?

The right light colour contributes to animal well-being.

• 4000 Kelvin (neutral white) is very suitable for riding schools and stables. This light colour contributes to contrast in the riding school and the well-being of the horses, including their fertility: neutral white lighting even contributes to this!
• 6500 Kelvin (daylight white), on the other hand, is particularly suitable for cattle barns. This light colour supports the cows’ activity and orientation, but also ensures that they come into heat faster and have a shorter calving interval. And last but not least: good light contributes to higher milk production!

Good LED lighting with the right light colour can also reduce stress in the animals and promote their natural day-night rhythm.

Smart lighting is an investment in well-being and efficiency

With the right LED lighting for riding arenas and cattle sheds, you’re investing in safety, animal welfare and lower energy costs. By choosing high bays, splashproof fluorescent lights and floodlights, you create a future-proof solution.

Want to know which LED lighting is best suited to your stable or riding arena? Our customer service team will be happy to advise you!

Other questions? Here’s the answer!

What kind of lighting is best for horse stables?

For horse stables, a combination of splashproof fluorescent lights (line lighting) and LED high bays (spot lighting) is ideal. This combination provides calm, even light. In addition, 4000K is the ideal light colour for horses, as it contributes to their well-being and fertility.

Why light a cow shed?

Good lighting in a cow shed promotes activity, orientation, well-being, fertility (faster in heat, shorter calving intervals) and milk production in cattle. In addition, good barn lighting increases the safety and workability of the livestock farmer.

How much lux is needed in a barn?

A barn requires 150-200 lux during a 16-hour light period, with a maximum of 5 lux during the dark hours, to promote well-being, production and fertility in dairy cattle. For a riding school with horses, at least 80 lux is essential, with 100-150 lux recommended in stalls and even more for riding arenas (depending on use), with an ideal day-night cycle of 8 hours of darkness.

Are LED lights suitable for horses?

Yes, LED lights are very suitable for horses, provided they are flicker-free and have the right light colour (preferably 4000K). This prevents stress and creates a pleasant living environment, while also contributing to their fertility and performance.

How can I save energy with barn lighting?

By replacing old lighting with LED, switching zones separately and providing targeted lighting. You can save up to 50-70% energy with LED compared to traditional lighting like halogen, fluorescent, or HPL lamps.

After reading this blog, do you still have questions about stable lighting, riding arena lighting or saving money with LED? INTOLED’s customer service team is happy to help! Feel free to contact us for personalised advice or a suitable lighting proposal tailored to your situation.