One of the fun things to do with horses is bathing and grooming them.  Even the hard-edged rancher appreciates a clean horse.  Having a specialized area to do these things is standard on almost every farm I visit.

Local weather determines where these wet areas are located and how they are constructed.  Where the temperature never falls below freezing, it is common to have the wash stall outside, away from the barn.  There may be heating elements above in colder climates (caution with the electricity and water), a concrete floor with incorporated radiant heat, or a door that closes the wash stall.  Having hot water available is needed in colder climates with a suitable mixing faucet with easy handles.

Horses are usually groomed in a grooming stall with cross ties to keep the horse in position while the groomer can work their way around the horse.  Crossties can also be placed in the barn aisle where the horse is groomed. This utilizes the available space without committing stall space for grooming.  Some owners groom the horse in the stall they live in, and others tie the horse to a hitching post or a bungee cord attached to the back wall.  This is very common on Thoroughbred training farms and is why Thoroughbreds often turn away from someone entering their stall and face the back wall.  They were trained to do this, which should not be considered bad behavior.  I never walk behind any horse, loose or tied.  I have known of too many people grooming their horses and, without warning, getting kicked.

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