Posted: 2nd March 2016 | Back to news feed
With spring finally here and the winter behind us, now is the time to start planning ahead for the summer season. It is a great time to give your yard a thorough spring clean and prepare everything for the coming months.
The long winter with endless dark nights, meaning less time out on the yard, may have left it needing some care and attention to get it back to looking pristine. Your equipment may need a good sort through as well, so that items that will not be used through summer can be washed and put away ready for next winter.
Your stable is a good place to start and a thorough clean is a great way to begin the season and a hygienic environment is healthier for your horse. Start by lifting and removing any rubber matting and thoroughly wash them using a stiff brush, water and disinfectant. Then do the same for the floor of the stable and also the walls and doors. A pressure washer is ideal for lifting dirt and grime and giving a powerful water supply to produce a great finish. Let the floor and mats dry and the stable air before replacing the mats. If your stable door has become swollen with the rain over the winter, use a handheld plane to take a bit off the width until it opens and shuts easily.
If your stable looks dull and in need of freshening up why not try painting the inside or smartening up the door with wood preservative or paint? Do take care as some products are toxic to animals so they need to be kept away for a certain periods. However other products are safe for animals but can be more expensive.
Next look at your tack room and if necessary give it a clean and tidy up. It is a good idea to sort out all of your rugs and send the winter ones for washing and then back them up to put in storage. Take out your lighter rugs and ensure they are all in good working order and ready to use. If you will be competing this summer, check your kit and make sure you have everything you need and all is in good condition. If there is a list of emergency contact details, make sure that everything is correct and alter if necessary-if you don’t have a list, it is very wise to make one.
Feed rooms and hay stores can always do with a good tidy up so give them a good sweep and remove any cobwebs. Check that all feed bins are in good working order and regularly check rodent traps if you have them.
If you have any plants or grass around the yard, make sure they look smart by weeding any beds and mowing the grass. Hanging baskets with dead plants in should be emptied and potted up with new ones.
When everything is looking neat and tidy, take the opportunity to check the fit of your horse’s saddlery equipment. He may have changed shape over the winter meaning his tack may need adjusting to ensure he stays comfortable.
Spring cleaning your yard is a great way to kick off the season and is sure to make you and your horse feel better!
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