I see the new fancy solariums in many a European barn and would love some respite for me and my horses from those cold days for bodywork, farrier, clipping, etc. But I’m wondering about the difference(s) in the fancy horse version vs the infrared patio heaters. Are they safer? Different technology?
I have seen infrared heaters like those used in garages, workshops, and porches mounted in wash stalls. I like the setup with heaters on the perimeterband angled inward to focus roughly on the horse’s back and sides. That is what I would probably do in my own barn as my LED ceiling lights occupy the center.
The pictures of equine heaters I found look like they use individual infrared bulbs in individual fixtures all mounted in a into a curved structure shaped like a horses back, and installed in the ceiling directly centered over the horse.
I used two infrared fixtures to heat my garage workbench for 30 years. Never had an infrared tube burn out. The indoor/outdoor cats slept under them at night during winters.
Ensure that your barn wiring can handle the load. And either way I would install with a timer switch and not a plain on-off. It appears the equine models may be waterproof. I know there are weather-resistant patio heaters, but don’t know about truly waterproof. If I learn more anything about the safety of one type vs the other I will update.
2 Likes
Having stood under the heaters on the side and solariums, solarium put out red light plus radiant heat vs the heaters only heat.
I really want a solarium but it’s not in the budget so adding 2 heaters and wiring for a solarium so we can upgrade eventually.
1 Like
Is there some benefit to having red lights plus heat rather than infrared tubes and the orange light they produce?
The solarium fixtures have a StarTrek vibe that would not really fit in with my barn ambience.
Red light therapy is for reducing inflammation and a bunch of other really cool scientific things.
I use it for my shoulder and it really helps soreness and swelling.
Forget the barn, I want one of these solariums in the house, for me. I’d probably have to fight the cats for it though
2 Likes
Thanks everyone! While I agree that the Red Light Therapy is beneficial, I don’t know that I’m willing to spend all that extra $$$$ for that feature. I’m mostly concerned about safety. My plan is to include some in a new barn build, so I can ensure the wiring is sufficient, but I’ve heard about water drops from bathing a horse hitting the glass bulb and them shattering. I figured they had to increase the safety in the more modern iterations of a heat lamp. I do plan to have them installed on a timer switch as well, even though this will be a small, private barn where I don’t need to worry about boarders leaving it on. I have been known to forget things myself and I’d rather not learn this lesson the hard way!
I think Schneiders has a heat lamp that has metal elements vs glass which seems safer to me - anyone try those?
1 Like
Just wanted to chime in with some info, since there’s been a lot of great discussion around solariums and safety.
When people think of heat lamps , they’re often picturing the basic near-infrared bulbs—but equine solariums like ours use medium-wave infrared (IR) light instead . That means the wavelength is slightly longer, allowing for deeper tissue penetration and a gentler, more therapeutic heat —perfect for warming up muscles before work, or aiding recovery afterward.
Our systems come standard with infrared lights and integrated fans to help circulate warmth evenly. We usually recommend mounting them about a foot and a half above the horse’s back for ideal coverage. To make life easier, there’s also an optional electric lift, so you don’t have to back your horse into the unit—you can raise it up when not in use.
With our control panel , you can manage everything from the timer to the fans and lift, all in one place. Plus, we offer optional UV and LED RGB upgrades:
*Infrared light therapy improves circulation, oxygen supply, and metabolism—helping reduce joint stiffness, inflammation, and soreness, while promoting a shinier coat and better performance.
*UV light helps support vitamin D production and can benefit horses on stall rest or with certain skin issues.
*LED RGB therapy is more wellness-oriented and is used to boost mood and energy.
Solariums have come a long way from the old exposed glass bulb designs—modern units are much safer, more efficient, and barn-friendly.
Learn more here: https://www.vitafloor.com/faqs/horse-solarium/
