THANKFULLY the weather has been very mild over the winter and spring, so now as we head into summer it’s the perfect time to get everywhere looking clean and tidy.

The weather has been so unusually dry that grassland and pastures may require some extra care - it certainly is a far cry from the wet and cold conditions we had last winter and spring.

The longer days make doing that extra little around the yard and farm much easier, making now the perfect time to clean up any messy areas that may have built up over winter and take stock of what you have.

There is no harm in being ruthless when it comes to throwing out what you don’t need.

Out of date and old products are no use to anyone lying around the yard.

It’s very easy to spend a fortune getting everything in order but we have put together a simple list of things which you can do yourself while keeping costs down and getting everywhere ready for the summer ahead.

TACK ROOM

• Switch to your horse’s summer wardrobe – put the winter rugs away and bring out the flysheets. If any rugs or equipment need mending now is the time to get it done while you’re not under pressure.
• Clean and oil all leather equipment. Leather products need to be well maintained if you want to avoid having to replace them every couple of years. Clean off any mud and dirt that may have built up and give everything a thorough oiling if needs be.
• No doubt the clippers have been busy all winter. Before you put them away for the summer, clean the machine and blades. Check over all of your blades, see if any need to be replaced and get any sharpening done. It’s well worth getting yourself prepared now and it will save on a lot of stress when you next start clipping.
• Grooming brushes and equipment can harbour all sorts of bacteria and dirt. Take the time to clean and disinfect all grooming brushes and equipment. This is especially important if you have been using your equipment on a number of different horses over the winter.

VETERINARY AND HEALTH CARE

• Take stock of what you have and replenish where necessary.
• Stock up on summer veterinary essentials such as fly spray and suncream.
• Check worming and vaccination programmes are up to date, this is especially important after the equine flu outbreak which happened over the winter.
• Shoeing – include getting stud holes in the next set of shoes if you’re likely to be competing on grass this summer.
• Equine dentist – it is recommended to get your horse a check up from an equine dentist or veterinary surgeon at least once a year.
• Make sure all veterinary medicines are stored securely and safely, and out of reach of children.
• Try to avoid putting horses out on land that is horse-sick, if you have the space try give fields a rest when possible.
• Check water supply to all fields and clean out drinkers.
• Check all fencing and gates, repair / replace if necessary.
• Remove droppings from the field, this is especially important in smaller paddocks.
• Keep an eye for poisonous plants starting to grow and deal with them accordingly.

Refer to our recent Grassland Management Feature for further advice on how best to care for and manage your paddocks, available at www.theirishfield.ie.

FEEDROOM AND STORAGE

• Check supplement supplies and replenish them if necessary.
• Stock up on summer supplies, such as electrolytes.
• Make sure all feed is stored in a safe, dry area. If any feed supplies have become damp or damanged, dispose of them.
• Go through all storage areas and check that there are no rodents. If you do happen to find that rodents have made themselves at home put a programme in place to get rid of them, and if they persist it is worth considering getting a professional in to deal with the issue.
• There are a range of different storage options available, especially for storing feed. If you are dealing with large amounts of feed, heavy duty plastic containers work very well. For smaller amounts of feed clean metal dust bins or clean wheeliebins are a good option. These are all generally rodent proof.
• Make sure all tools are stored safely and not likely to cause a hazard.

EQUIPMENT

• Make sure all riding equipment is safe and up to date. Check with any affiliates you are a member of that they have not changed their required standards.
• If you’ve had any falls it is highly recommended that you get equipment checked and possibly replaced.
• Make sure all tack fits your horse correctly. If you have any doubts gets a professional saddle fitter out to check.
• Check, clean and oil tack. Switching can often come undone, examine carefully to be sure it isn’t and replace if necessary.

STABLES, BARN AND INFRASTUCTURE

• Clean out stables and if you have space take up all the bedding and give the stable floor a chance to dry for a couple of days before putting fresh bedding back down.
• Clean out all feed mangers.
• Check the roof for any damage, leaks or rust that may have occurred over the winter. (Stand in the barn when it is raining to check for leaks).



• Check fire alarms and extinguishers; these may need batteries replaced or servicing from a professional.
• Inspect all light fixtures – repair and/or replace, if necessary.
• Check the electrical wiring for rodent damage or any worn areas.
• Remove any leaves or debris that may have gathered on the roof.
• Make sure all doors are safe and working, grease hinges if necessary.
• Check or establish a rodent control programme.

FARM MACHINERY

• Thoroughly inspect, lubricate and tune up farm equipment before it goes back to work.
• Inspect hydraulic, fuel and electrical systems.
• Inspect engine, tyres and brake system.
• If in doubt get a mechanic to do a full service.