AFTER one of the worst winters on record, many yards and equine facilities have suffered.

Grassland has been saturated, the snow and ice played havoc with pipes and water systems and many building have been put under pressure.

Tidy, tidy, tidy!

Spring is the time to clean up any messy areas that built up over the winter months and take stock of what you have. Don’t be afraid to throw out what you no longer use and prepare for the summer.

Getting everything back on track and keeping costs down is never easy.

Here are some simple steps to get your spring clean started.

TACK ROOM

  • Switch to your horses 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. The wet weather and mud doesn’t do any favours for leather headcollars and equipment, take the time to clean and oil them now so they last longer.
  • No doubt the clippers have been busy all winter. Before you put the clippers away for the summer, clean the machine and blades, and get blades sharpened or replaced if necessary. You’ll be thanful of this when you start clipping next winter!
  • Grooming brushes and equipment can harbour all sorts of bacteria and dirt. Take the time to clean and disinfect all grooming brushes and equipment.

    • 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.
  • 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.

    • GRASSLAND

  • 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.

    • FEEDROOM AND

    STORAGE

  • Check supplement supplies and replenish them if necessary.
  • Stock up on summery supplies, such as electrolytes.
  • Make sure all feed is stored in a safe, dry area. If any feed supplies have gotten damp or damanged, dispose of them.
  • Go through all storage areas and check that rodents haven’t done any damage.
  • 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 if they have 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 careful to be sure it isn’t and replace if necessary.

    • INFRASTUCTURE

  • 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.
  • 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.

    • Stables/barn

  • 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).
  • Remove any leaves or debris that may have gathered on the roof.
  • Make sure all doors are safe and working, grease hinges if necessary.