Spring Cleaning at the Stable
As we make it through the last bitter months of winter, it’s time to turn our attention to shaking the cobwebs and preparing the stable for spring. Here’s some tips for spring cleaning at the stable.
Deep Clean
A great way to shake off the winter blues and get everything refreshed for spring is to carry out a deep clean of the entire barn.
Start with the stalls; ensure that all horses are turned out, and empty out all bedding. Vacuum and sweep to get every bit of bedding before giving the floors and mats a good scrub. When the stall is entirely dry, fill the stall with nice, fresh bedding.
This is also a great time to give some special attention to cleaning the walls, windows, and aisles of the barn, as well.
Repairs and Maintenance
Take time to walk around the property to inspect for damage. Broken windows, doors, latches, fence posts or hooks are all things that tend to pile up over the cold winter months. Take advantage of the warm weather and get everything back in ship-shape.
Check buckets for cracks and replace as necessary. Check your wheelbarrows, picks, and shovels, as well; this may be a great time to invest in new tools, if you need them.
Take a look at the machinery and vehicles you use around the stable, as well. This is a great time to get them fixed and running right for long summer days spent working around the stable.
Organize
Perhaps one of the most satisfying parts of spring cleaning is organizing.
Clean out the tack room and ensure that everything has a specific place to go. Invest in handy hooks to make use of wall space. If you really want to get organized, invest in a label maker to mark off what goes where.
In stables with lots of boarders, tack and supplies tend to get jumbled up. Place labels on everything and make sure that everyone understands the importance of keeping their things organized. With cooperation from everyone, keeping halters, lead ropes, bridles and grooming kits organized should be no trouble at all.
Toss It
If you don’t need it, toss it!
If you have items that have remained in your lost and found for ages, or if you have old tools or supplies that haven’t been touched in years, it may be best to get rid of the clutter. If it’s something that someone else can put to use, consider posting a notice online or donating to a local rescue. This way, you’re eliminating clutter and freshening up your barn while blessing someone else with something that they might truly need. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
No matter how long or hard the winter was, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel when the snow starts to melt. Following the tips here, you’ll have no trouble doing a refreshing deep spring clean in your stable.
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