Posted: 31st March 2017 | Back to news feed
As spring has finally arrived, time spent planning ahead for the summer season will be a good investment opportunity now. It’s a great chance to give your yard a thorough spring clean and prepare everything so you are able to enjoy those warm sunny days you have been looking forward to.
When you think back to the long, dark winter nights, you will probably realise how many little jobs you had to put to one side, as the days simply weren’t long enough to fit in everything that needed to be done. This means you may welcome some extra hours in the day now to get your yard back looking pristine again. Your equipment may need sorting and reorganising as well. Now is the time to work out what you can wash and store away until next winter and what you will need to hand for the summer months.
Your stable is a good place to start with an intensive clean. Unfortunately, the milder weather also encourages the breeding of unpleasant bacteria so this will be a good way to tackle the spread of bugs and bacteria before they can get hold. You are obviously wanting to keep your horse healthy, so start by lifting and removing rubber matting and washing them well with a stiff brush, water and disinfectant. Repeat this over the floors of the stable, the walls and doors. This can be quite exhausting work so you might want a bit of assistance from a pressure washer. Hopefully you will have picked good weather for this cleaning, as you now need to let it all dry before replacing the mats. It is quite possible that your stable door will have become swollen over winter, so take this opportunity to plane it back to a proper fit so it opens easily again.
Now step back and decide if your stable would benefit from a fresh coat of paint or wood preservative. Make sure you do your research into the product you choose, as some are toxic to animals when they are first applied so they need to be kept away for a certain period of time. However, other products are safe for animals but can be more expensive.
Once you have put all this work and effort into spring cleaning your stable, unfortunately it will accentuate the need for a good clean elsewhere at the yard! Your tack room is probably the next place to clean. At this time of year, undoubtedly your rugs will need sorting out. It is time to send the winter ones for washing and then put them away clean for next winter. Unpack your lighter rugs and check they are all still fit for use and clean. If you are planning to compete this summer, it is essential your kit is in order so now is the best time to check you have everything you will need and that it is all clean and fit for purpose. Make sure your list of emergency contact details is up to date too.
Moving on now to feed rooms and hay stores, they will really benefit from a good sweeping out. Check all the feed bins are working and get into the habit of regularly checking rodent traps if you have them.
Think about the area surrounding your yard. Rake any grassed areas you have and re-seed bare patches of lawn. If you are wanting summer-flowering plants, the bulbs can be planted now.
With all this effort to tidy up, don’t forget to check the fit of your horse’s saddlery equipment. He may have changed shape over the winter so his tack may need adjusting.
These jobs at the yard will be made easier if you have the correct footwear to support you. Grubs classic Rideline™ and Outline™ boots have a Super-Dri™ lining, and Nitrocell™ insulating and cushioning foot-bed, ideal for work at the yard.
For further information please contact Grubs on 01204 567700 or visit www.grubswarehouse.com
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