How Can You Get Your Barn Clean for Spring – Tips & Tricks

After a long, cold, and dreary winter, the best way to welcome spring and get your barn freshened up and ready for the warmer months is to dedicate a day or two for a deep spring cleaning. Cleaning is a great way to clear cobwebs, literally and figuratively, for riders as well as the horses. Here are some pointers and tips to help you make sure that your spring cleaning is as efficient as possible so that you can enjoy an invigorated and refreshed space this spring and summer.

Assess the Property

Set aside some time to assess the barn, arenas, and pastures thoroughly. Bring a notepad along with you so that you can record what needs to be done. Keep in mind that the work you do is not only restorative, but preventative, as well; if you notice something that may soon need your attention, it may be a good idea to address it now, so that you can enjoy your spring and summer months with peace of mind knowing that your property is as clean, safe, and as functional as possible. It’s best to dedicate the extra bit of time and work now to save you the hassle in the future, when you may not have the time to make repairs right away.

Cleaning Day

To start your cleaning day, turn out all of your horses. Turning out not only gives you an empty barn to make cleaning more manageable; it also protects the horses from breathing in the dust while everything is moved around and cleaned. Take advantage of the empty barn and open all doors and windows to get a good flow of fresh air flowing through the barn. Here are some essential tips for your cleaning day:

Buckets & Troughs: While you probably already ensure that all troughs and buckets are cleaned out when the stalls are cleaned, your deep spring cleaning is a great time to thoroughly disinfect buckets and troughs that are in good condition and replace those that are cracked. Bacteria and mould that lingers in buckets that have not been properly cleaned can be extremely harmful to your horse’s health. Be sure to scrub down with a mild detergent, like dish soap, and then let the buckets and troughs soak with a bleach solution before thoroughly rinsing out.

Stall Mats: This is also a perfect opportunity to do a thorough disinfecting of the stalls. Daily mucking is crucial, but the bacteria that is left behind in the mats underneath the bedding can not only be a health hazard; it can produce an unpleasant smell, as well. Pull out the mats and give them a proper washing and rinsing off before placing them back into the stalls. Allow them time to dry and top off with a fresh layer of bedding. Scrubbing down the walls and feeders is an excellent idea, as well.

Feed & Tack: Pull everything out of the feed room to give it a good sweeping and cleaning. Discard any expired supplements or feed, and make sure that all feed is stored in air-tight containers to discourage any rodents or other pests from sneaking in. Ensure that the barn’s first-aid kit is up-to-date and well-stocked. Do a thorough cleaning of the tack room and make sure all tack is organized, clean, and in working condition. Now that the cold winter months are melting away, this is a great time to have the blankets sent off for cleaning and repair, as well.

Things you may also want to consider:

● Repairs to fences and gates as needed

● The uneven footing in arenas both indoors and outdoors

● Areas with poor drainage or that are prone to mud

● Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

Of course, every barn is different, but hopefully, this article helps you build your own stable’s list a bit faster. The most critical things overall are that your barn is organized, clean, and safe.

Categories:

by Stablebuzz

24 Mon