Spring is almost here! It’s time to inspect your barn and make a list of chores to make it a haven for you and your horse. Let’s get cracking on ways to transform your winter-weary barn into horsie heaven just in time for better weather to ride and show.
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Barn Cobwebs Suitable Only At Halloween
I’m not sure how they accumulate so quickly, but not only do cobwebs make your barn look like a backdrop for a scary Halloween movie, they are also a safety issue. Cobwebs are a fire hazard, especially when they accumulate around electrical wires, outlets and fans.
The cure is to grab a broom and sweep those cobwebs away. Not only should you look up, but check out corners, behind moveable cabinets and drawers and underneath shelves. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your barn can go from a haunted house to a horse haven.
Heave Ho Old Hay
Grab that broom and sweep out your hay storage area. While you are there, check for cobwebs. Be sure to discard moldy bales; not only are they another fire hazard but they can wreck havoc on your horse’s digestive system.
You might want to consider upgrading your broom to one with fresh colors just in time for spring like this cute heavy-duty blue and white model. It earned great reviews on Amazon.
Schedule a Date with Your Feed Room
Check supplements, medicine and feed for expiration dates and discard out-of-date products.
Restock First Aid Kits for Horses and Riders
We all know that, although “healthy as a horse” is a commonly used phrase, in reality horses are delicate flowers prone to scrapes, bumps and tummy aches.
Dust off those dusty horse and human First Aid kits. Then, remove all the contents. Wipe out the inside of the container and follow that with a swipe with an antibacterial wipe.
Examine the contents of the kit. Are any products leaking or dirty? Are you running low on Band-Aids or vet wrap? Do you need a new horse thermometer? Are the sterile gauze squares looking less than sterile?
Check out this article by “Practical Horseman” that gives useful tips for creating your own First Aid kit.
Or, Amazon has tons of ready-made kits you can buy for your barn, trailer or vehicle.
Call the Vet
Make an appointment with your vet to schedule spring shots. Now is a good time to talk about reassessing your horse’s nutritional needs. Ask her about the ideal worming program for your horse. Does your horse need dental attention?
Lights, Camera, Action
Check the batteries on barn flashlights. Do you need to ditch your old one in favor of a bright LED light?
What about your wireless transmitter used for training? Does it need new clips or a total upgrade?
Do you keep a camera in the barn that may need its batteries recharged?
If you keep running low on your phone charge, do you have a charger or a battery pack readily accessible?
While you are at it, change the batteries in the smoke alarms. Are your fire extinguishers adequately charged?
Scrub-a-dub-dub
Your water trough and buckets as well as feed buckets deserve a thorough spring cleaning. Use a drop or two of antibacterial dishwashing soap and some elbow grease to scrub-a-dub those tubs.
Check out Power Hack to Quickly Scrub Crusty, Slimy Buckets Sparkling Clean — my easy-peasy way to scrub away those nasties.
Look up. Look down. Look all around.
Check for clogged gutters and downspouts. Inspect your property. Horses are notorious for finding ways to locate the holes in pastures and the weak spots in fences.
Check Blankets
By now, your horses’ blankets are probably in need of some serious deep cleaning. As soon as it’s warm enough to put blankets away, Send them out for cleaning and repair–or do it yourself. YouTube has some great how-tos for washing and repairing less-than-fresh blankets.
Check fly sheets and masks to be sure they are ready for biting insect season. While you’re at it, do you need to stock up on fly spray to keep away those unwelcome warm-weather critters? Here’s my easy recipe to make your own tick repellant.
Inspect and Clean Your Tack
Check stirrup leathers and billets for wear. Clean and condition your saddle, girth, bridles and all your leather riding gear. YouTube also has some amazing tack-cleaning videos — if you need a refresher course.
Assess your tack stash to decide if everything brings Marie Kondo-like joy. Sell what you no longer love or, better yet, donate it to a suitable equine charity like a local therapeutic riding center.
What can you add to this barn spring cleaning list?
